As of yesterday (27), 84 paddy storage facilities including warehouses have been thoroughly cleaned and restored to their operational state, ensuring that they are ready for use. 

This effort was carried out with the participation of troops of the Army, in coordination with and the supervision of the Security Forces Headquarters from 18-27 January . This programme was implemented across 15 districts, including Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Kandy, Matale, Badulla, Monaragala, Colombo, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, Hambantota, and Matara.

The Government is to purchase the paddy harvest of the Maha cultivation season. Following the purchase, the Government plans to store the paddy stocks in warehouses belonging to the Paddy Marketing Board.

However, as these warehouses and their surrounding lands have remained unused for an extended period, they require cleaning and restoration to ensure their suitability for use. In response to this national requirement, under the directions of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the guidance of the Commander of the Army, the Army provided its assistance to clean and restore these facilities.