Sri Lanka, Sept. 14 -- In the event of fears that El Nino weather phenomenon will trigger a shortfall in imported essential supplies, the government has worked out an action plan to explore alternate markets, a Minister said.

Sri Lanka is almost self sufficient in rice which is the staple. Based of El Nino related weather forecasts, the agriculture authorities have decided to advance the next cultivation season to save on irrigation water and use rainwater to the maximum for the growth of plants.

However, a number of essential commodities are imported. Among them are lentils including dhal, sugar, canned fish, potatoes, big onion, wheat flour, dry chili and some spice varieties.

Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi who heads the spe...