The government is taking steps to mitigate the potential impacts of a forecast El Niño weather pattern on agriculture, food production, water resources and several other sectors, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said several discussions had already been held under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to assess possible challenges that could emerge in the coming months.
He said ministries were examining the possible conditions that could arise during July and August, as well as in the first few months of next year, and were preparing advance response measures.
“Particular attention is being paid to how we can face these conditions during the next cultivation season,” Jayatissa said.
He noted that forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology and other relevant agencies regarding potential weather developments were being taken into consideration when formulating future plans.
“We are working to minimise the impact of this situation,” he said.
Jayatissa added that while El Niño could affect Sri Lanka, the phenomenon was expected to have a greater impact on several other countries, including India.
He said any significant impact on India could also have indirect consequences for Sri Lanka’s economy and certain imports, adding that the government was closely monitoring developments and would take necessary precautionary measures when required. (Newswire)
