To mitigate the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, has instructed officials to immediately convene Agricultural Committee meetings in every district to determine suitable dates for paddy cultivation and to promote the cultivation of minor crops in areas with adequate water availability, particularly around irrigation tanks.
A special high-level discussion on preparedness and mitigation measures to address the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon was held today – on Friday 24 July 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor.
A meteorologist from the Department of Meteorology, who joined the discussion via Zoom, gave a detailed presentation on the anticipated impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. He noted that its effects in Sri Lanka are expected to be relatively less severe than in many other countries and emphasized that each El Niño event has its own unique characteristics.
Following the presentation, participants held a detailed discussion on measures to prepare for the expected weather conditions. Addressing the meeting, Professor N. Pratheeparajah, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Jaffna, explained that the Northern Province typically receives most of its rainfall during October and November due to low-pressure systems. He noted that while the number of rainy days is expected to be fewer, the intensity of rainfall is likely to be higher. He further stated that the likelihood of significant rainfall during December, January, and February is very low, adding that the Northern Province is expected to receive its first substantial rains only after 12 October.
Addressing the meeting, S. Sivasri, Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture – Northern Province, emphasized that paddy cultivation should be completed before 15 October in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Agriculture. He also noted that farmers have been advised to cultivate only short-duration paddy varieties with a maturity period of three to three and a half months.
Officials further pointed out that, with the exception of Jaffna District, the other four districts are expected to experience minimal impact if rainfall occurs approximately 12 days after paddy sowing. Taking these factors into consideration, the Hon. Governor directed officials to convene Agricultural Committee meetings in each district to determine the most appropriate paddy sowing dates.
T. Rajagobu, Provincial Director of the Department of Irrigation – Northern Province, stated that, on average, around 20 percent of the water stored in irrigation tanks remains available even after the completion of the Yala cultivation season. He also noted that a third season of minor crop cultivation has already commenced in the Vannerikulam area, demonstrating the potential to maximize the use of available water resources.
Following this, the Hon. Governor issued the following important instructions to officials:
1) As water evaporation rates in irrigation tanks are expected to increase due to high temperatures, officials were instructed to immediately grant permission for third-season minor crop cultivation in suitable tanks where farmers wish to utilize the remaining available water.
2) While granting such approvals, officials were directed to give due consideration to the drinking water requirements of livestock and the need to maintain groundwater levels.
3) To maximize the storage of expected rainfall, officials were instructed to urgently undertake tank rehabilitation activities, including desilting and dredging of water bodies.
The Hon. Governor instructed officials to immediately commence the process of identifying alternative sources of drinking water supply for drought-affected areas and to coordinate closely with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board to ensure the necessary arrangements are made.
Meanwhile, Professor N. Prathiparajah made a special request to the public and farming community to use water more efficiently, particularly in the Jaffna District, where water evaporation rates are currently high and groundwater levels are declining significantly.
The discussion was attended by several senior officials, including the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Secretary to the Governor, Secretaries of Provincial Ministries, District Secretaries, the Additional District Secretary and Assistant Directors of the Disaster Management Centre.
