The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has commenced compensation disbursements for crop losses caused by dry weather, with nearly 7,500 farmers in six districts receiving direct bank transfers starting September 4.
The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has initiated compensation payments for farmers affected by drought conditions across six districts: Hambantota, Ampara, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Monaragala. According to both reporting sources, payments to farmers in Polonnaruwa District began on September 4, with the Board targeting completion of disbursements to affected farmers in other districts by September 15.
The Government has allocated Rs. 3 billion to fund the relief effort. Nearly 7,500 farmers have been affected, with approximately 8,000 acres of farmland damaged across the region. Compensation is being provided for six crops—paddy, maize, big onion, potato, soybean, and chili—at a standard rate of Rs. 100,000 per hectare, capped at five acres per farmer.
The payment process follows field inspections conducted by officials to assess crop losses after farmers submitted damage reports. Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has instructed officials to expedite payments to ensure farmers receive relief before the next cultivation season begins. Funds are being transferred directly into farmers' bank accounts rather than through alternative distribution methods.