Sri Lanka, July 23 -- With the development of El Nino conditions altering weather patterns in Sri Lanka, the government is planning for advancing the Maha cultivation season in a bid to avert any impact on food security, a Minister said yesterday.

Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi told Daily Mirror the Cabinet appointed committee met recently and discussed ways and means to brace for the situation.

According to the latest forecasts, he said that July, August and September would be dry months for Sri Lanka, but the north-east monsoon starting after would be heavier than normal.

"We want to advance the Maha season for rice cultivation this time to avert any impact on food security. Currently, there is no issue for drinking wate...