More than 108,000 hectares of paddy have been completely damaged due to recent adverse weather, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation noted. 

Secretary D. P. Wickramasinghe told a media briefing that 6,600 hectares of maize, 6,143 hectares of vegetables and 11,000 hectares of other field crops were also destroyed. 

He stated that compensation procedures have begun, with payments set at Rs. 150,000 per hectare for paddy, maize and other crops, and Rs. 200,000 per hectare for vegetables. 

Farmers facing delays may contact the ministry’s emergency hotline 1918.