Large parts of the island were under drought this “Yala” which refers to the cultivation season that starts after the April-May rains. Impacts of droughts have led to shortages in drinking water in some areas and wells and rivers drying up and clapped landscapes. The water levels in hydro-power generating catchments dropped precipitously. There have been regular power-cuts affecting household, industrial, services and office work. Farmers have been affected in large swathes of the island particularly in Polonnaruwa, Anurhadhapura, Ampara and Batticaloa districts.

The sowing and harvesting of the principal crop of rice takes place during the two cultivation seasons, Maha (starting in October) and Yala (starting end of April). During “Maha”, the farmlands usually receive sufficient water to cultivate all rice fields whereas during “Yala”, farmlands usually receive only enough water to cultivate about half the fields and farmers are particularly affected by shortfalls in this season.