Govt to expedite compensation for farmers affected by Matara salinity barrier

The Sri Lankan government is speeding up compensation payments for farmers who lost crops due to a salinity barrier built across the Nilwala River in Matara. This barrier was put in place in 2019 by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) to stop saltwater from contaminating local drinking water sources. However, its poor construction has led to ongoing damage to rice farming in the area. Fields in locations such as Dikwella, Kamburupitiya, Kekanadura, Madiha, Malimbada, Meda Uyangoda, Kalalla, and Wilpita have suffered repeatedly over the years. Farmers and their organizations have raised these concerns with past governments, but little action was taken, and the problem worsened. The current government is now addressing the grievances of these farmers and has set aside Rs. 1,200 million to compensate those whose crops were harmed by the faulty construction of the salinity barrier. Compensation will cover seven consecutive cultivation seasons, from the 2019 Yala season to the 2022 Yala season. Farmers who reported crop damage during these seasons to Agrarian Service Centres will receive payments. The compensation process will follow the advice and input from local officials, including the Matara District Secretary, the Commissioner General of Agrarian Development in Matara, the Matara District Agriculture Director, public representatives, ministry officials, and members of the Matara farming community.