Jan 05, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has allocated Rs. 1.2 billion to repair the small water reservoirs that were damaged by excessive rains during the last few weeks.

Finance Secretary of Sri Lanka Dr. P.B. Jayasundara said Friday that the government had allocated money to repair 900 small water reservoirs damaged by the weather.

The official pointed out that since all reservoirs are full to brim now, the farmers will be able to cultivate 700,000 hectares easily in the next crop season.

He also said that the gifts of nature should be effectively utilized to enhance the food security in the country.

Meanwhile a spokesman of the Ministry of Agriculture said that the government would help the flood affected farmers to grow additional crops in place of the major cultivation of rice since rice cannot be re-cultivated in mid-season.