- 111,459 families in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Puttalam, Mannar, Vavuniya, Moneragala and Ampara Districts and certain areas in Kandy and Matale Districts which have been affected by the prevailing drought situation in the country due to the shortage of drinking water and irrigation water for cultivation purposes. The following measures are to be taken in the drought affected Districts:

* to implement an accelerated programme to further increase the water storage capacity of reservoirs and tanks in the said Districts;

* to utilize 37 bowsers for distribution of drinking water to the affected families;

* to rehabilitate a selected number of 600 agro wells immediately; and

* a 'Cash for Work' project to be implemented to rehabilitate and maintain small irrigation systems / Canals and Rural Roads with the participation of farmers of the affected families on payment of Rs.6,000/- per month.

The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to proceed with the relevant activities through the relevant District Secretaries and to provide a total estimated cost of Rs.1304.4 million for the purpose, was approved by the Cabinet.