Rice paddy field on a rainy day

A Kumbura or Ketha is the land on which farmers cultivate paddy. Rice is the staple food of Sri Lanka and as such, paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka is given utmost importance in the agriculture industry. Ancient and traditional farmers were self-sufficient in rice production and ancient Ceylon is said to have been among the foremost paddy exporters in the world. Paddy production in the country flourished during the reign of Sri Lankan kings, who fostered and nurtured production in various ways including, most notably, the supply of water through the construction of large scale irrigation tanks – Ceylon was popularly known as the ‘The Great Barn of the East’ during the reign of King Parakramabahu who is renowned for his hydraulic construction and renovation in aid of agriculture.

Ancient and traditional paddy cultivation practices were completely organic and did not induce any harm to the surrounding environment or health.