President chairs discussion on strengthening preparedness and response to El Nino conditions
A meeting of the Special Cabinet Sub-Committee and Officials’ Committee appointed to address the impacts of the El Nino climate phenomenon was held on Friday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The President reviewed the challenges arising from the current El Nino conditions, the progress of measures taken […]
On Friday morning, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting of the Special Cabinet Sub-Committee and Officials' Committee to discuss strategies for enhancing preparedness and response to El Nino conditions. Among the topics addressed were the impacts of El Nino on agriculture, plantation industries, freshwater fisheries, water supply, and electricity generation.
The President underscored the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential goods and services and implementing programs to support affected communities.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture reported that crop losses had been minimal in the previous Yala season due to advance preparations and timely cultivation. The President discussed potential effects on water levels in major reservoirs, drinking water arrangements, agricultural preparations, and national food security. He noted the need for a comprehensive database on water supply sources and vulnerable areas, as well as the possibility of authorizing Divisional Secretaries to clean and rehabilitate unusable water sources.
The meeting also addressed the upcoming Maha season, with plans to ensure seed paddy and fertiliser availability and expedite irrigation system rehabilitation.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
