The Member States of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) express their deepest condolences to the governments and peoples of Myanmar and Thailand in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

This tragic event has caused immense loss of life, injuries, and widespread damage, particularly in the areas surrounding the epicenter. The tremors were also felt in neighboring countries. BIMSTEC stands in solidarity with the affected people and communities.

BIMSTEC will work through its established mechanisms to support relief and recovery efforts, including collaboration through the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate to provide critical weather information and enhance early warning systems in the region. BIMSTEC also acknowledges the importance of strengthening regional capacities for disaster management and emphasizes the earliest establishment of the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre.

We appreciate efforts of the BIMSTEC Member States in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Myanmar.

BIMSTEC remains resolute in its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in disaster management, climate change and humanitarian assistance, effectively mitigating the impact of natural disasters and working  in accordance with the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

A series of short-term measures have been proposed to address the irrigation challenges caused by the Nilwala River Salinity Barrier until a long-term solution is implemented.

During a recent discussion chaired by the Secretary to the Presidential Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, officials from all relevant ministries and institutions agreed to promptly implement these proposals.

As part of these measures, the sand piled along the riverbanks, which was deposited during the construction of the salinity barrier, will be removed to ensure smooth water flow during floods. The height of the sheet pile barriers on both sides of the salinity barrier will be reduced to facilitate water drainage. Accumulated sand in the riverbed will be cleared, while alternative canal pathways will be cleaned and obstructions removed to improve water flow. Additionally, water pumping stations used to drain excess water from paddy fields will be properly maintained.

To address the drainage issues affecting the homes, lands and access roads of residents of Circle Road, Hittatiya centre, Matara during heavy rains, a few short-term solutions have been proposed. A new drainage system will be developed along Dahanayake Road to divert water from Hittatiya First Milepost to Nupe Ela, replacing the current connection to the canal system along Circle Road. The existing drainage system will be upgraded to increase its capacity.

The drainage capacity along Circle Road will be improved and telecommunication cables currently obstructing water flow in the drainage system will be relocated to a more suitable location. The drainage system from the central section of Circle Road through Handayawatta and along Padiliyawatta Road to Nupe Ela will be expanded, with blockages removed to enhance water flow. Upon obtaining the final land survey map from the local authorities, a decision will be made regarding the existence of a natural canal in the affected area.

Meanwhile, the ongoing study by the University of Peradeniya to identify long-term solutions for the issues arising from the Nilwala Salinity Barrier will be reassessed and reviewed.

The National New Paddy Harvesting Festival (Aluth Sahal Mangalya), a traditional annual ceremony of offering the first portion of the freshly harvested Maha season paddy to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, was held this morning (04) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the historic Sri Maha Bodhi premises in Anuradhapura.

The ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Services under the theme “In unison, let us cultivate the land, to build a self-sufficient nation” (අහරින් ස්වයංපෝෂිත දැයක් තනන්නට එක මිටට ගොවි බිමට), following the guidance of the Atamasthanadhipathi, the most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera.

This ritual, which dates back to the era of ancient monarchs, saw the participation of farmers from across the country. In accordance with tradition, they prayed for timely rains and fertile fields and invoked blessings for a self-sufficient and prosperous economy through agriculture.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake first paid homage and received blessings from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi before joining the ceremonial proceedings.

The sacred procession, which carried the newly harvested paddy from near the historic Sinha Kanuwa in Anuradhapura, arrived at the sandy courtyard (වැලි මලුව) of the Sri Maha Bodhi, marking the ceremonial commencement of the New Paddy Harvest Festival.

The Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera commenced the ritual by filling the golden bowl with the new paddy, after which representatives from all provinces added paddy from their respective regions, symbolically filling the golden bowl.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake also participated in this ritualistic moment, amidst the chanting of Pirith by the Maha Sangha.

A vessel of pure bee honey, traditionally offered to the Sri Maha Bodhi, was ceremonially presented to the President by Deputy Leader of the Vedda Community U.W.  Bandiyala Eththo.

The vessel of ghee, brought from the historic Saman Devalaya in Sabaragamuwa, was also presented to President Anura Kumara Disanayake, to be used in the customary ghee offering at the Sri Maha Bodhi.

The President also received the commemorative plaque of the National New Paddy Harvest Festival and presented tokens of appreciation to farmer leaders who have made significant contributions to the development of the country’s agriculture sector.

As part of the initiative to secure a pest-free harvest, the President participated in the distribution of pest-resistant seed paddy to farming communities across the provinces.

Addressing the subsequent official ceremony, President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the current government is working to transform an economy that was in disarray. He noted that the Paddy Marketing Board is burdened with a debt of Rs. 28 billion, while harvested paddy is being left to spoil in storage.

The President emphasized that the current administration has accepted the responsibility of restoring and restructuring this disorderly system. He added that the government expects the support not only of the state machinery related to agriculture but also of all farming communities. He affirmed the intention to integrate Sri Lanka’s cultural and traditional systems to reclaim the legacy of the agricultural economy and thereby strengthen the national economy.

President Disanayake further stated that the country’s ancient kings achieved greatness through their contributions to agriculture and irrigation and that self-sufficiency in food was a critical factor in that success.

He highlighted that sustainable development has become a global discourse today and that Sri Lanka’s “Tank Cascade System” or “Vapi System,” stands as a remarkable example of sustainable development. The country’s irrigation system, which dates back nearly 2,000 years, continues to contribute to the advancement of agriculture even today.

As such, the government has allocated Rs. 2 billion in the current budget to rehabilitate the irrigation system and renovation work on the North Central Maha Ela Project has already commenced to revitalize the country’s agricultural industry. He added that the government also plans to develop seed farms to produce self-sufficient seeds, while protecting genetic ownership.

He further emphasized the need for fair prices for agricultural produce, both for farmers and consumers. Due to long-standing market distortions, the government will intervene over the next two to three harvesting seasons to ensure both parties receive fair prices.

The President also stated that the necessary provisions for such state interventions have been made in the current budget. Steps have been taken to create storage capacity to hold 300,000 metric tons of paddy, which is expected to mitigate market distortions going forward.

Among those present at the occasion were the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya and Chancellor of the Rajarata University, Most Venerable Ithalawetunuwewe Gnanatillake Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Lankaramaya, Most Venerable Ralapanawa Dhammajothi Thera and members of the clergy; Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha; Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe; Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri; and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne, along with a large number of farmer leaders and other dignitaries.

1. (PMD)