As part of the “Waari Mahima – Ape Urumaya” (Our Irrigation, Our Heritage) national irrigation programme, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha inaugurated the new Ihala Kaniyama water control structure and culvert bridge in Nawagiri Aru, Batticaloa.

Built at a cost of Rs. 45 million, the project will enable cultivation of an additional 500 acres, allowing farmers to plant three crops a year, including paddy and supplementary crops, in response to longstanding farmer requests.

Minister Lal Kantha said the government is working toward achieving full food self-sufficiency by 2028, ending the import of rice varieties such as Keeri Samba. He urged farmers to expand cultivation to meet local demand, highlighting that domestic production of certain rice types remains insufficient.

He added that the current government has taken steps to rebuild the economy, eliminate corruption, and strengthen agriculture as a cornerstone of sustainable national development.

The event was attended by officials from the Irrigation Department and local farmers. (Newswire)

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