Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today (16) that the government is paying close attention to the El Nino climate phenomenon, which is predicted to occur in the near future, and is formulating plans to deal with it.

Speaking at the Cabinet media briefing, the Minister stated that several rounds of discussions have been held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as a government, and ministers have already discussed the steps that can be taken at the ministerial level.

He noted that the Government is closely monitoring forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology regarding the El Nino situation and is developing contingency measures based on conditions that could emerge in the next year.

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa further commented:

"As a government, we have already focused on the potential impact of this, particularly on agriculture, food production, as well as on several areas such as our water resources. 

“Several rounds of discussions have been held under the leadership of the President, while ministers are currently discussing and formulating plans for the full measures within their respective ministries, focusing on the possible situations that may arise during the July-August period and in the coming year. 

“We are paying special attention to how we will face this situation during the next cultivation seasons. The Department of Meteorology and other relevant groups have already issued forecasts regarding the nature of this possible situation, and future plans are being prepared taking these into consideration. 

“We are taking steps to minimize the damage and take the necessary preparatory measures at the appropriate time."