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

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti stated that the compensation programme is being implemented in fulfilment of an election promise. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the inaugural ceremony of the State Vesak Festival on Wednesday, May 27, the same day compensation payments commenced.

The salinity barrier, constructed in 2019 by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board to prevent saltwater intrusion into drinking water, has been identified as the cause of crop damage for Matara farmers. This damage has occurred annually since the barrier's construction, often compounded by rainfall-induced floods in areas including Madigongama, Kekanadura, Kamburupitiya, Malimbada, and Meda Uyagoda. Compensation payments for 5000 farmers affected by the Nilwala salinity barrier will commence on May 27. The first phase will involve 250 farmers, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurating the process in Malimbada, Matara. The remaining compensation is scheduled to be disbursed within the next 14 days.

Compensation payments for Matara farmers affected by the Nilwala salinity barrier will commence on May 27. The first phase, involving 250 farmers, will be inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Malimbada, Matara. A total of Rs. 1.2 billion has been allocated to compensate 5000 farmers for 12,800 acres of uncultivated land, covering crop damage sustained over seven cultivation seasons from 2019 Yala to 2022 Yala. The remaining compensation payments are scheduled to be disbursed within the next 14 days.