Properties and other assets worth more than Rs. 100,000 million have been mortgaged in 15 districts that are hit hard by the prevailing drought.
Economic hardships have driven some people even to sell their properties.
More than 200,000 people have been severely impacted due to the extreme dry weather, while agricultural officials estimate crop damage has affected more than 60,000 acres.
Wasantha Athukorale, professor of economics at Peradeniya University, said jewelry worth more than Rs. 687,290 million had been pawned due to economic woes in past years.
