The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board announced that compensation payments for crop damages caused by the prevailing dry weather began today (04), with affected farmers in the Polonnaruwa District receiving funds directly into their bank accounts.

Officials confirmed that compensation for farmers in other districts will be completed before September 15. The Government has already allocated Rs. 3,000 million for this relief effort.

Dry conditions in Hambantota, Ampara, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Monaragala have damaged paddy, maize, and other crops. Following farmer reports, officials inspected fields, assessed losses, and initiated payments.

Nearly 7,500 farmers have been affected, with around 8,000 acres of farmland damaged. Compensation is being provided for six crops, maize, big onion, potato, soya, and chili, at Rs. 100,000 per hectare, up to a maximum of five acres per farmer.

Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has instructed that payments be expedited to ensure farmers receive relief before the next cultivation season. (Newswire)

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The government has allocated Rs. 3,000 million to swiftly pay agricultural insurance compensation to farmers whose crops have been damaged by the ongoing dry weather conditions under the El Niño situation.

Reports indicate that paddy and other crops including maize have suffered losses in Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Anuradhapura, and Ampara districts.

Damage assessments show paddy losses of 1,401 acres in Monaragala, 1,259 acres in Polonnaruwa, 783 acres in Hambantota, 1,055 acres in Ampara, and 1,923 acres in Anuradhapura. Altogether, about 8,000 acres belonging to nearly 7,000 farmers have been affected.

Field officers of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board and assistants from the Department of Agrarian Development are currently visiting affected lands to carry out evaluations.

The government’s aim is to release compensation funds before the next cultivation season to provide relief. The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation has instructed officials to expedite payments for damaged paddy fields.

For six crops, maize, big onion, potato, soybean, and chili, compensation will be paid at Rs. 100,000 per hectare, with a maximum of five acres per farmer.

Farmers who have not yet reported damages are urged to inform agrarian officers or record losses at Agrarian Development Centers. For further details, the Insurance Board has advised farmers to call the hotline 1918. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Defence has directed District Secretaries to expedite the release of disaster relief allocations, after it was revealed that only 30% of the funds disbursed for rehabilitation and reconstruction following Cyclone Ditwah have been utilized to date.

According to the state-owned newspaper Silumina, Treasury reports show that the National Disaster Relief Services Centre released Rs. 86.7 billion between January and July 2026 for compensation payments and infrastructure development in flood‑ and landslide‑affected areas. However, just Rs. 26.4 billion, about 30%, has been spent, leaving Rs. 60.3 billion still unused.

In a letter dated August 12, the Additional Secretary of the Disaster Management Division instructed District Secretaries to ensure the remaining 70% is released to beneficiaries without delay.

The report also highlighted slow progress in resettlement efforts. Of Rs. 1.05 billion allocated for relocating affected families, only Rs. 190 million (18%) had been spent by July 31, leaving Rs. 868 million (82%) unutilized. 

Officials stressed the need to accelerate resettlement programmes and infrastructure development, noting that an additional Rs. 1.94 billion in allocations is expected to be provided.

Meanwhile, immediate relief measures have seen stronger progress. By July 31, 85% of Rs. 7.6 billion released for urgent assistance to disaster‑hit communities had already reached beneficiaries.

Authorities emphasized that timely disbursement of funds is critical to restoring livelihoods and rebuilding infrastructure in areas devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. (Newswire)

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A higher diploma student has filed a compensation case before the Nugegoda District Court against the University of Colombo administration, alleging serious examination irregularities that wasted his time, effort, and money, it was reported.

According to a report by BBC Sinhala, the petitioner, Sanath Kumara Athukorala, is seeking Rs. 5 million in damages from the Vice Chancellor and senior officials.

Athukorala claims that although he was initially informed he had failed an examination, the university later declared him passed without holding any re‑examination, even conducting a convocation. He questions how students first declared failed were subsequently passed without explanation, saying the administration has not provided a fair reason.

The case names lecturers and administrators of the Faculty of Management and Finance, including D.B.L. Diyaguarachchi, W.P. Premaratne, Head of Department Sashika Abeydeera Manoratne, Dean H.M. Nihal Henanayake, Additional Registrar of Examinations Vajira Hapuhinna Jayaratne, former Vice Chancellor H.D. Karunaratne, current Vice Chancellor Indika Mahesh Karunatilake, and the Attorney General.

Represented by lawyer Danosha Perera, the petitioner says he enrolled in the 2022/2023 higher diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. While the first semester was problem‑free, he alleges serious injustice in the second semester, particularly in subjects 508 (Operations Management for Small Business) and 510 (Business Strategy and Sustainability).

Athukorala accuses lecturer Diyaguarachchi of demanding Rs. 80,000 through another student, which he refused. He further alleges that during a workshop in May 2024, Diyaguarachchi’s husband attended, and when he opposed accommodating him in his room, hostility ensued. He claims she later gave him unfairly low marks in subject 508 and even revealed exam questions to other students beforehand.

After failing in January 2025, Athukorala complained to the administration. By April 2025, new results showed he and others had passed, though no exam was held in between. Regarding subject 510, he alleges Rs. 3,500 was collected from each student for a group project, but full marks were awarded even to those who did not participate, depriving active students of fair recognition.

Despite complaints to the university and the Bribery Commission, investigations remain ongoing. Athukorala insists the university has not explained how failed students were later declared passed without re‑examination. He alleges officials acted illegally and fraudulently, awarding degrees to students initially failed, causing him humiliation among peers and loss of expected results.

He is now demanding Rs. 5 million in compensation, arguing that the university’s actions led to the unjust loss of his time, effort, and financial resources. (Newswire)

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Prison Commissioner and Media Spokesman A. C. Gajanayake says the compensation amount to be given to the families of prison officers who died in the Negombo Prison clash could exceed Rs. 2 million, it was reported. 

According to the state newspaper Dinamina, he said that while a final conclusion on the total compensation has not yet been reached, with government intervention an initial payment of Rs. 500,000 has already been made. 

This, he said, is only a preliminary installment of the full compensation to be provided.

The Department of Prisons has borne all expenses related to the funerals of the deceased officers and is also reviewing compensation for those injured in the incident. Seven officers remain hospitalized and continue to receive treatment.

Prison officers have stressed that families of colleagues who lost their lives while on duty must receive adequate compensation. 

They pointed out that following the 2012 Welikada Prison clash, Rs. 2 million was granted for a deceased inmate and Rs. 500,000 for an injured inmate.

Prison sources stressed that since the Negombo clash occurred 14 years after Welikada, maximum fairness should be ensured for the officers who died. 

Trade unions and other organizations are preparing to submit written requests to the President, the Minister of Justice, and other relevant authorities in the coming days. (Newswire)

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The Agricultural and Farmers Insurance Board has announced that Rs. 12,341.5 million has been disbursed to 202,025 farmers affected by last year’s Cyclone Ditwah.

According to the Board, the Department of Agrarian Development has already paid Rs. 8,888.5 million to 116,278 farmers for 148,000 acres of paddy fields that suffered total damage.

In addition, Rs. 3,453 million has been paid to 85,747 farmers cultivating maize, vegetables, and other field crops across Mahaweli areas, provinces, and inter‑provincial regions through the Department of Agriculture.

Under the scheme, compensation rates were set at Rs. 150,000 per hectare for paddy cultivation and Rs. 200,000 per hectare for maize, vegetables, and other field crops. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved compensation for patients who lost their vision following the use of Prednisolone Acetate eye drops after surgeries, in a case that raised serious concerns over patient safety.

Between March 3 and May 16, 2023, several patients who underwent eye surgeries at the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital experienced blindness or further deterioration of sight linked to the use of the liquid eye medicine. 

An investigation confirmed the incidents, and compensation has already been paid to 17 affected patients.

A special expert ophthalmic committee was subsequently appointed to examine similar cases at other hospitals during the same period.

The committee recommended compensation for four additional patients who became blind due to complications.

Taking into account the recommendations presented by the Minister of Health, the Cabinet decided to provide compensation to these four patients as well, at the rate of Rs. 1 million per patient. (Newswire)

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A special discussion on resolving issues in Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish production and export sector and advancing the industry was held this week(18) at the Ministry premises under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage.

Leading ornamental fish producers and exporters from across the island participated in the meeting, where it was decided to expedite the next steps of the operational plan being implemented through the National Aquatic Resources Development Authority (NAQDA).

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Gamage emphasized that a new transparent import mechanism will be introduced to prevent setbacks caused by previous restrictions. 

Entrepreneurs will be permitted to legally import fish species based on business needs, while revisions to the list of prohibited species will allow stakeholders to present their views before an expert committee.

Attention was also directed toward relief for small‑scale producers affected by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. 

The Deputy Minister announced that financial assistance of Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 50,000 will be provided promptly to those who suffered losses, offering vital support to farmers struggling even to purchase fish feed.

It was further agreed to hold direct discussions with industry stakeholders every two to three months to continuously monitor progress and resolve issues. (Newswire)

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Farmers whose fields were damaged by recent heavy rains have been instructed to file loss reports within 14 days at their respective Agrarian Service Centres, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board announced.

Following assessments, compensation will be provided based on the extent of damage, with payments capped at Rs. 100,000 per hectare for paddy, maize, potatoes, soya, chillies, and big onions. 

Issuing a statement, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board stated that this scheme is offered free of charge, with no insurance premium required from farmers.

The directive comes after adverse low‑pressure weather conditions submerged cultivated lands in several districts at the start of the 2026 Yala season, damaging crops at their initial stage.

The Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister has instructed the Insurance Board to carry out continuous supervision and ensure maximum benefits reach farmers, underscoring the government’s commitment to stabilizing the rural economy.

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board noted that once floodwaters recede, the full extent of crop damage can be assessed, enabling timely compensation to affected farming communities. (Newswire)

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A Disaster Relief Services Officer in the Monaragala District has been dismissed following allegations of misusing compensation funds provided for victims of Cyclone Ditwah.

According to the Government Information Department, the Grama Niladhari officer was removed from duty after complaints surfaced about irregularities in the handling of relief allocations.

The Grama Niladhari officer has been transferred to another division to facilitate ongoing investigations. (Newswire) 

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to ensure that the Government-approved compensation of Rs. 500,000 for houses partially damaged by Cyclone Ditwah is paid to all beneficiaries before the end of May, except in exceptional circumstances. 

The President instructed officials during a progress review meeting held today (22) at the Presidential Secretariat, which focused on compensation payments and the provision of new housing for residents whose homes were partially or fully damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

According to the President’s Office, extensive discussions were also held on relocating those still living in camps to temporary housing until permanent homes are provided. 

The President instructed officials to identify suitable locations and to take the necessary steps to complete this process at the earliest. 

Attention was also given to relocating families residing in high-risk areas to safer locations. 

In addition, focus was placed on plans to construct housing complexes for residents who have not opted to receive compensation to purchase or build a new house. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha announced that it recovered a total of Rs. 197,719,710.36 in compensation during 2025 on behalf of the next of kin (NOKs) of Sri Lankan nationals who had passed away in Qatar. 

The recovered funds were remitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in Colombo for disbursement to the respective families.

According to the Embassy, out of the total amount, Rs. 23,641,182.00 was directly paid to the NOKs through its efforts, while Rs. 174,078,528.36 was transferred to the Ministry for onward distribution. 

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha said that several of these payments were related to cases pending since 2014.

The Embassy noted that the recovery process was carried out through close coordination between Ambassador Sithara Khan, Minister Dharmasiri Wijewardane, and Translator M. R. M. Fiyas, along with the respective companies, the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry, the Government of Qatar, and the legal firm engaged by the Embassy.

In comparison, the Embassy said it had recovered Rs. 172,992,764.43 in compensation in 2024, which was successfully disbursed to the NOKs in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, has planned to implement an expedited compensation process as instructed by the subject Minister, for crop damages caused by Cyclone Ditwah and floods that affected all 25 districts of the island.

Issuing a statement, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board said that through this process, damages to compulsory insured crops such as paddy, maize, big onions, potatoes, chilies, and soya beans will be assessed and compensation payments provided.

As it is currently not possible to obtain a clear understanding of the extent of damage, farmers are requested to record the damage in the reporting books available at Agrarian Service Centres immediately after floodwaters recede. If floodwaters do not recede, farmers should inform the respective Agrarian Service Centre Officer or Agricultural Research and Production Assistant.

Farmers have one month to report damages, and are urged to act promptly to secure compensation. Awareness campaigns are being conducted through Agrarian Service Centres across the island, district offices of the Insurance Board, and audiovisual media.

In addition, damages to other crops should also be recorded in the reporting books maintained at the relevant Agrarian Service Centres.

For guidance and inquiries regarding damage reporting, farmers can contact the Agricultural Insurance Board’s emergency hotline: 1918.

The Department of Agrarian Development and the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board will jointly carry out this compensation process. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for January 28 on a fundamental rights petition seeking an order to recover compensation from former ministers who allegedly received unlawful payments for damages to their homes during the islandwide unrest on 09 May 2022. 

The petition was filed by social activist and lawyer, Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, challenging the legality of the compensation granted in connection with the island-wide violence.

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Defence Secretary Retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne, former Chief of Defence Staff Shavendra Silva, former IGP Chandana Wickramaratne, former Ministers of Public Security Tiran Alles and Prasanna Ranatunga, current Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya, current Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijayapala, and the Attorney General are among a total of 15 individuals named as respondents in the case.

The petitioner claims that following the May 9 attack, the previous government paid Rs. 1.22 billion in compensation to 43 individuals, including former ministers whose homes and property were damaged, pointing out that this was revealed in Parliament on February 5 by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

The petitioner argues that this constitutes a serious misuse of public funds, noting that even in cases of natural disasters, the maximum compensation per person is Rs. 2.5 million.

As such, the petitioner requested the Supreme Court to declare that these payments violated legal procedures and fundamental human rights, issue an order to recover the unlawfully paid compensation, and ensure that any future compensation is based on proper valuation and legal standards. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has summoned a hearing on November 13 to verify facts in a fundamental rights petition requesting recovery of compensation paid unlawfully to former ministers whose homes and property were damaged after the attack on the “Gota Go Gama” protest site at Galle Face on May 9, 2022. 

The petition was filed by Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, a social activist and lawyer, seeking an order to reclaim compensation funds that were allegedly obtained illegally by former government ministers.

The petition was heard before a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Mahinda Samayawardhena and Sobitha Rajakaruna.

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Defence Secretary Retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne, former Chief of Defence Staff Shavendra Silva, former IGP Chandana Wickramaratne, former Ministers of Public Security Tiran Alles and Prasanna Ranatunga, current Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya, current Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijayapala, and the Attorney General are among a total of 15 individuals named as respondents in the case.

The petitioner claims that following the May 9 attack, the previous government paid Rs. 1.22 billion in compensation to 43 individuals, including former ministers whose homes and property were damaged, pointing out that this was revealed in Parliament on February 5 by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

The petitioner argues that this constitutes a serious misuse of public funds, noting that even in cases of natural disasters, the maximum compensation per person is Rs. 2.5 million.

As such, the petitioner requested the Supreme Court to declare that these payments violated legal procedures and fundamental human rights, issue an order to recover the unlawfully paid compensation, and ensure that any future compensation is based on proper valuation and legal standards. (Newswire)

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Former Weligama Urban Council Chairman Rehan Jayawickreme has demanded compensation of Rs. 500 million from NPP MP Asitha Niroshana over defamatory comments made during a televised interview on local media. 

Sending a Letter of Demand (LoD), Jayawickreme’s lawyer points out that the mention of ‘Rehan’ in his comments is understood by the public to be a reference to his client.

Stating that the statement is false and defamatory, the LoD demands that the compensation of Rs. 500 million be paid within 14 days of receiving the letter.

NPP MP Asitha Niroshana has been further warned that in the event he fails to settle the compensation, then Rehan Jayawickreme will move to initiate legal action against him.

Commenting on the NPP MP’s remarks on him, Rehan Jayawickreme demanded that the MP prove every word he said in court.

“You can attack my politics. You can twist my words. But don’t drag my name through the mud with reckless claims about drugs and the underworld. I have a family. I have young children. I have worked hard to stay true to who I am and what I stand for. I don’t need an apology from the MP. But if he thinks I will let this slide, he is wrong. He will now have to prove every word he said in court,” he said, in a post on ‘X’. (Newswire)

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The funds allocated from the President’s Fund for those who lost their lives in the recent bus accident in the Garandiella area in Kotmale have been forwarded to the relevant Divisional Secretariats, on the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

According to the President’s Office, a sum of Rs. 01 million will be provided for each victim of the accident, with the funds being handed over to their respective family members.

These funds have been released to the Divisional Secretariats of the following areas: Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Panduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathawilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale and Rambewa, of which the 22 individuals who lost their lives in the accident were residents. (Newswire)

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A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka seeking an investigation into the amounts of compensation paid to MPs for alleged damages to their homes during the 2022 ‘Aragalaya’ peoples’ struggle.

The FR petition also seeks an order on the return of any funds that had been obtained through false claims. 

The petition was filed by social activist and environmentalist Ravindranath Dabare today.

Fifteen persons, including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, former Chief of Defence Staff Shavendra Silva, former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya, and current Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala have been named as respondents. (Newswire)

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Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa has called for an investigation into the compensation paid to 43 MPs for houses that were torched during the 2022 unrest, despite being covered by fire insurance.

According to Sri Lanka’s disaster relief policy, governed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005, compensation for a completely destroyed house caps at Rs. 2.5 million, he said.

However, Dr. Mahanamahewa raised concerns over larger sums being allocated to MPs, questioning the legal basis for these payments.

According to Dr. Mahanamahewa, the compensation was determined by the previous government based on recommendations from a committee appointed by the then Minister of Public Administration.

“Some MPs have claimed that they did not request compensation but they were given the compensation. How does that happen? Who approved these?” he questioned, urging authorities to review the criteria used by this committee.

He also revealed that many affected MPs had already received insurance payouts for their damaged properties.

Dr. Mahanamahewa also suggested that the government initiate a process to recover the excess funds from the Treasury. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa says compensation will be provided to patients who developed complications following cataract surgeries at the Nuwara Eliya District Hospital in 2023.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayatissa said that Cabinet approval has been received to provide compensation to 17 such patients, some of whom had completely lost their eyesight.

Stating that a committee had been appointed under the aegis of an Additional Secretary of the Health Ministry to probe the incident, the minister said the committee report has been submitted as of now.  

He further said that based on the report, a decision was taken for the government to provide compensation to the affected patients and that a compensation system is being established for this purpose. 

Minister Jayatissa said it was also decided that legal action would be initiated against the company that had imported the medication that had resulted in complications. 

The incident mentioned occurred in May 2023, when the eyesight of several patients who underwent eye surgery at the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital had weakened soon after the surgeries.

At the time it was reported that the eyesight of the patients had weakened or was completely lost post-surgery due to the presence of germs in a medicine imported from India, which was given to them following the surgery. (Newswire)

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