Government to Expedite Compensation for Matara Farmers Affected by Nilwala Salinity Barrier

The Sri Lankan government has approved the expedited payment of compensation to farmers in the Matara district who experienced crop losses due to a salinity barrier built across the Nilwala River. Constructed in 2019 by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board to prevent saltwater intrusion into drinking water sources, the barrier has since caused recurring damage to paddy cultivation in areas like Dikwella and Kamburupitiya. Following a thorough assessment of damages incurred across seven consecutive seasons from Yala 2019 to Yala 2022, the Cabinet granted approval for these payments. The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board will manage the compensation, calculated based on costs and paddy prices, with Rs. 1,200 million allocated in the 2026 budget.