He was addressing a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday. The Minister said 2,500 new tanks would be built initially to provide water for cultivation of the Maheweli farmers. “We will improve their livelihoods while facilitating their agricultural and livestock activities in coming months,” he said.

“The government will initially address a long-felt need of the Mahaweli farmers by giving their land and house deeds. By next year, around 18,000 deeds will be given to Mahaweli residents. Accordingly, 12,083 deeds will be issued to Mahaweli settlers in the Mahaweli B, C, and Rambakenoya zones at a ceremony to be held today at Polonnaruwa under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena. Buddhist temples will be given 22 deeds and State organizations including schools will get 50 deeds,” he said.