The final decision on cultivation activities for Sri Lanka’s upcoming Maha season will be made on September 18, 2026, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe said.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information today (04), Wickramasinghe said discussions with all relevant sectors will be held on September 8 to assess plans for the Maha cultivation season.
He said a final decision will be reached on September 18, with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, based on the outcome of the initial discussions.
The irrigation and agriculture authorities have previously held discussions and prepared programmes for Maha season cultivation. However, given the El Niño conditions currently affecting the country, the Department of Meteorology will also be involved in this year’s discussions, Wickramasinghe said.
“We will hold an initial discussion on September 8 with all relevant sectors on how to organise the next cultivation season. On September 18, we will meet in Peradeniya. All parties, including farmers, particularly representatives from the Mahaweli areas, as well as the Water Panel, will participate in making the final decision,” he said.
He added that the discussions will also determine when and how paddy cultivation should begin, how other crops should be cultivated, and how available water resources should be allocated for agricultural activities during the upcoming Maha season.
