Sri Lanka Buys 68,149 MT of Paddy in Major Yala Season Operation

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) has announced the completion of its paddy purchasing programme for the 2026 Yala cultivation season, marking the end of a large-scale procurement drive aimed at supporting paddy farmers across the country.

According to the PMB, a total of more than 68,149 metric tonnes of paddy were purchased since the programme commenced on July 13.

Data released by the Board show that nearly Rs. 8.35 billion was allocated for the procurement of the harvest during the season.

The highest volume of paddy was purchased from the Ampara District, where the PMB procured 19,426.9 metric tonnes, making it the leading contributor to the national collection.

The PMB further stated that the harvests of 33,988 farmers were purchased during this year's Yala season, providing a market for thousands of cultivators across the island.