Both cultivation seasons could be successfully completed without major difficulties if the Maha season is started early and the 2027 Yala season begins by March 15 or early April, according to Engineer Nilantha Dhanapala, Director of the Water Management Secretariat of the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.
He made the remarks while participating in the “Ada Derana BIG FOCUS” programme.
Around 54% of the water capacity of reservoirs belonging to the Mahaweli system is currently available, which is considered a significant level, he said. The water capacity of the Walawe system is also around 57%.
Engineer Dhanapala said rainfall is expected to increase during October and November. However, the dry zone is unlikely to receive significant rainfall from December to April.
He stressed that by efficiently managing the available water resources, starting the Maha season early and beginning the 2027 Yala season ahead of the usual schedule, both cultivation seasons could be successfully maintained.
