This step is being taken for the welfare of the drought affected people and the wells will be constructed on an accelerated basis, said State Minister Palitha Range Bandara.

He said that more than 300,000 people in Puttalam District is affected by the drought and a program to supply drinking water daily has also been initiated.

Relief programs have been coordinated by the District Secretariat office and the Divisional Secretariats.

People living in the Anamaduwa Divisional Secretariat division are severely affected and about 10,000 families have been given dry rations.

As wild animals are also affected, steps have been taken to construct artificial wells and water holes for benefit of the animals.