The Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe said that the final decision pertaining to cultivation activities for the upcoming Maha season will be made on September 18, 2026.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information today (04), the Secretary said discussions with the relevant sectors will be held on September 08 regarding the cultivation activities of the Maha season.

He said a final decision will be taken on September 18 with the participation of all relevant parties, based on the outcome of the initial discussions.

Previously, the irrigation and agriculture divisions held discussions and prepared programmes relating to cultivation activities for the Maha season.

However, in view of the El Nino conditions currently affecting the country, the Department of Meteorology will also be included in the discussions this year, 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 and particularly representatives of the Mahaweli areas and also the Water Panel, to make the final decision,” he said.

He added that decisions will be also made on how to commence paddy cultivation during the next season, how other crops should be cultivated and how water should be allocated for cultivation.