Srilanka, Aug. 19 -- The government has taken steps to expedite compensation payments to farmers whose paddy and other crops have been damaged by the prevailing dry weather conditions, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board said.



The decision was taken on the instructions of Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha, according to a statement issued by the Board.



Crop damage has been reported from several districts, including Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Ampara and Anuradhapura, where water shortages have affected paddy, maize and other cultivations.



Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 6,073 acres of paddy land belonging to around 4,707 farmers have been affected in the five districts.



The reported dam...