🌾 Govt Approves Additional Rs 2.5 Bn for Paddy Procurement as Harvest Surges

• Procurement Funding: Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved an extra Rs 2.5 Bn to the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) for the 2026 Yala season, bridging an initial funding shortfall following an earlier Rs 6.0 Bn release. • Surging Purchases: Purchases reached 67,156 MT (costing ~Rs 8.22 Bn), significantly exceeding the initial target of 39,500 MT across 143 warehouses. • Key Harvesting Zones: Additional funds address ongoing harvesting in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam, Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Mahaweli B, C, and H zones. • Regional Breakdown: In Ampara, 19,426 MT has been purchased for Rs 2.35 Bn, which has been fully disbursed. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed systemic payment delay reports, confirming extra funds will resolve outstanding farmer payments. • Broader Sector Support: Beyond direct PMB procurement, Rs 10.0 Bn was issued as loans to small and medium millers, alongside Rs 7.5 Bn allocated to District Secretaries and Government Agents to support the agriculture sector.