Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has vehemently denied any plans to sell water to farmers for agricultural purposes, dismissing these claims as the tactics of a certain political group seeking to gain political advantage. During a media briefing held in Kandy, Minister Amaraweera clarified that the government is actively exploring methods for more efficient water usage in agriculture rather than selling water.
The minister emphasized the ongoing tests to determine the feasibility of cultivating crops with reduced water consumption. He stressed the importance of using water economically for agricultural purposes, particularly in light of reports predicting a more severe drought during the upcoming Yala Season compared to the previous one. Farmers have been advised to begin cultivation during the current rainy season to mitigate the potential water shortage in the Yala Season.
Minister Amaraweera condemned baseless allegations and rumors spread by certain groups for political gain, specifically the false claim that the government intends to charge farmers for the water provided. He clarified that the government’s objective is to raise awareness among farmers about using water judiciously and conducting cultivation activities with minimal water usage, not to impose water charges on farmers.
