The Supreme Court has settled the dispute between a farmer and an organization regarding irrigation.

The conflict began in 2006 before the start of the Yala season. The reason for the cessation of water supply to the farmer’s rice field was an outstanding loan debt of approximately 15,000 rupees. Representatives of the Maduruthanna Bedum Ela Farmer's Organization, operating under the Mahaweli Authority, explained the temporary water shutoff as a debt collection measure, citing the organization’s rules and traditions.

The farmer filed a lawsuit, claiming that due to the lack of irrigation, he had suffered significant financial losses, and demanded compensation of 200,000 rupees. During the court hearings, it was noted that the conflict could have been resolved through negotiations.

The proceedings passed through several judicial instances. On September 9, 2016, the District Court of Polonnaruwa ruled in favor of the farmer, ordering the organization to pay 100,000 rupees in compensation. However, on March 20, 2018, the High Court of the North Central Province upheld the organization's appeal and overturned this decision, dismissing the case. The final instance was the Supreme Court, which rejected the farmer's appeal and upheld the High Court's decision, thereby concluding the multi-year legal confrontation.