Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Thushara Wickramarachchi, has urged farmers not to panic over the possibility of upcoming El Niño climate conditions and instead make agricultural decisions based on scientific data and official guidance from relevant authorities.
Speaking at a special media briefing on the potential impact of El Niño on Sri Lanka, held today (July 23) at the Department of Government Information, Dr. Wickramarachchi emphasized that there is no need for unnecessary concern, as harvesting for the 2026 Yala cultivation season has already been completed or is in its final stages across most parts of the country.
He noted that reservoirs managed by the Department of Irrigation and the Mahaweli Authority currently hold sufficient water. Although forecasts indicate below-average rainfall and higher temperatures during the remainder of the Yala season, he stressed the importance of using available irrigation water efficiently and planning cultivation accordingly.
Dr. Wickramarachchi also said that while above-average rainfall is expected between October and December, no major flood risk has been forecast. He advised farmers to plan their Maha season cultivation to suit the expected weather pattern, with heavier rainfall during the initial stages of the season and relatively lower rainfall toward the end.
He further recommended completing paddy cultivation by around October 15 to ensure crop establishment, using short-duration rice varieties, conserving water and soil, and adopting climate-resilient farming practices. These measures, he said, will be crucial for both the upcoming Maha season and the 2027 Yala cultivation season.
To support farmers, the Department of Agriculture, together with other relevant agencies, has prepared and distributed agricultural guidelines to field officers. Dr. Wickramarachchi also urged the farming community not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media and instead follow official advisories issued by the relevant authorities when planning agricultural activities.
