The Sri Lankan government has announced compensation measures for chicken farmers affected by the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed Parliament that farmers will receive Rs. 500 per deceased layer chicken and Rs. 250 per deceased broiler chicken, with a maximum compensation limit of Rs. 1 million per farmer.

During the conclusion of the supplementary estimate debate, President Dissanayake specified that compensation for layer chickens will be provided at Rs. 500 per bird for up to 2,000 birds, or a maximum of Rs. 1 million. For broiler chickens, farmers will be compensated at Rs. 250 per bird for up to 4,000 birds, subject to the same maximum cap.

In addition to these measures, the President announced that individuals engaged in free-range backyard chicken farming will receive a compensation payment of Rs. 10,000. These farmers will also be supplied with new chicks to support the resumption of their farming activities.

Cyclone Ditwah has had a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s poultry sector. Flooding inundated poultry sheds, washed away feed stocks, and resulted in the loss of thousands of birds across affected districts. Small and medium-scale poultry farmers were particularly hard hit, facing complete losses as power outages disrupted temperature-controlled systems and increased disease risks in waterlogged conditions.

The cyclone also damaged access roads and disrupted supply chains, making it difficult to transport day-old chicks, feed, and veterinary supplies. Surviving farmers are now facing increased operational challenges and rising costs.

These losses have raised concerns about potential short-term shortages of chicken meat and eggs, possible price increases, and the long-term sustainability of an industry vital to national food security and rural livelihoods.