Relief for flood-hit farmers

Nimal WIJESINGHE- Anuradhapura Additional District group correspondent

The government will offer relief to farmers whose cultivations have been affected by floods.

They will be provided a long period for the repayment of Maha season cultivation loans without interest.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said at a meeting held in Anuradhapura recently that Agrarian Development Minister S M Chandrasena would submit a Cabinet paper for approval to this effect on March 8.

The Minister reviewed the submissions exchanged at the meeting held for analyzing the flood damages and the progress being made in relief, restoration and rehabilitation work in the district.

The Minister said he would bring farmers' grievances to the notice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government.

Anuradhapura District Secretary H M K Herath said the Government has provided Rs 94.2 million during January and February to grant flood relief.

Herath said 150 families residing in the Malwathuoya reserves would be resettled in a 70 acre land located at Katukeliyawa close to the city as a measure to save irrigational reserves.

The District Secretary said it is expected to plan a long-term flood controlling methodology and to reinforce major and medium scale tank structures.