No issue in releasing water for cultivation in upcoming Yala season- Irrigation Dept.

The Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka has announced there will be no problems in providing water for paddy fields during the upcoming Yala season. H.M.P.S.D. Herath, the Director of Irrigation (Water Management), reported that 76% of the water capacity in the main reservoirs managed by the department is already filled. He mentioned that around 800,200 acres are receiving water through 376 irrigation projects across the country, while 697,800 acres are set for cultivation in this year’s Yala season. Out of this, 651,000 acres are designated for paddy farming and 46,800 acres for other crops. Herath assured that there will be enough water to meet these needs. He also noted that land preparation and re-cultivation have begun in major irrigation projects, with work finished in 205 projects where re-cultivation started on April 1. Additionally, land preparation on another 75 agricultural lands is expected to be done before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, while activities in the remaining projects will kick off after the celebrations. However, he stressed the need to use water carefully for land preparation due to the ongoing dry weather, as high temperatures are causing increased evaporation. Therefore, it is crucial to use only the necessary amount of water for land preparation whenever possible. He also highlighted that future water management should align with the guidelines from the special committee in charge of drinking water and other relevant authorities, urging farmers and agricultural officers to maximize water efficiency.