Hon. Namal Karunaratne, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Kurunegala

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 135 #32 of 225·#16 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

135 speeches

10 October 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne supported the Motion, highlighting recent hardships faced by farmers and outlining government measures on cultivation expansion, fertilizer and interseasonal crop support, export crop grants, irrigation rehabilitation, soil testing, and high-yield varieties. He said the Government aims to raise paddy yields above 7,000 kg per hectare by 2028 while improving market access, value addition, and agro-industry linkages. He noted ongoing crop insurance for six crops, plans to expand insurance to other crops and livestock, a new farmer pension scheme, and increased ex-gratia payments for deaths from human–elephant conflict from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1,000,000. Private Members' Motion P.47/2025: Insurance Scheme for Farming Community Agriculture Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that a nationwide survey, excluding only Delft Island, had established baseline data on relevant animal populations, with provisions for people who missed official forms to submit information separately. He said the exercise was low-cost, would support work by ministries and researchers, and was being discussed jointly with relevant agencies. He clarified that no decision had been made to cull or harm animals, and that any population management would be lawful and guided by expert recommendations. He also noted that the survey relied on public reporting, applied a correction factor for possible over-reporting, and was intended to inform management rather than provide exact census figures. Oral Answers to Questions EnvironmentAgriculture Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne stated that the national animal census was conducted on 15 March 2025 at a total cost of Rs. 3,916,314, rejecting claims that over Rs. 70 million had been spent. He said the survey aimed to assess wildlife causing crop damage, covering toque macaques, purple-faced langurs, giant squirrels and peafowl, with verification reducing reported monkey and langur figures by 50% for planning purposes. The finalized public report maps species distribution and risk areas, with official figures of 5,197,517 langurs, 1,747,623 monkeys, 2,666,630 giant squirrels and 4,285,745 peafowl. He added that the census covered all Grama Niladhari Divisions except six in Delft Island, where the surveyed species do not occur. Oral Answers to Questions Agriculture Read →
24 September 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled a written answer on national seed paddy stocks and requirements, stating that the Government currently holds 147,932 bushels and providing annual requirement figures for 2020 to 2024. He outlined measures for seed production and supply, including breeder seed production by Department of Agriculture research institutes, production of certified seed categories in government seed farms, support for private and society-based certified seed production, and contract production through the Department’s Seed and Planting Material Division. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Agriculture Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Namal Karunaratne disputed the Opposition Leader’s claim that 300,000 metric tons of maize were imported, stating that imports were 253,000 metric tons last year and are projected at 67,000 metric tons this year. He clarified that maize grown as fodder for dairy is a separate green-biomass cultivation from grain production. He said minimum prices are set using scientific costing by the Task Force, HARTI and farmer organisations with a 30 percent margin, and that the Government is promoting 13 crops to reduce imports. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Agriculture Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Family labour was included in maize cost calculations, with Rs. 106 per kilogram given as the average cost and district-level variations acknowledged. A 30 per cent margin was added to set a Rs. 135 per kilogram price, agreed by the Task Force with farmer organisations and experts led by Prof. Buddhi Marambe. He said farmers generally received good prices, while problems mainly affected intermediaries who had stockpiled, and noted that projected imports had fallen from about 253,000 metric tons last year to 67,000 metric tons this year, with a plan to progressively reduce maize imports to zero. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Cost of LivingAgriculture Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne provided data on maize production and imports from 2023 to the first quarter of 2025, noting that projected 2025 production of 341,595 MT and reduced imports reflect an ongoing government promotion programme. He outlined a 2026–2030 plan to raise average yields to 6.1 MT per hectare, reduce production costs, expand technology packages and hybrids in key districts, and establish a Maize Performance Task Force linking farmers, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders. He also stated that dryers and post-harvest support would be provided to reduce aflatoxin, and that a Rs. 135 per kg farmgate price standard for 2024/25 Maha had been agreed based on estimated costs and a 30 per cent profit margin. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Agriculture Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister requested additional time until the next parliamentary week to provide answers to a question raised by Hon. R. Karunanayake under Standing Order 27(2). Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Ministerial Statements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Questions (Multiple Questions with Answers) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne outlined government action on paddy purchasing, fertilizer support, and farmer compensation, stating that minimum paddy prices were set on a cost-plus basis and that state stores had been reopened, receiving 59,000 MT in the last Maha and 43,891 MT so far in the current Yala. He said cultivation support had increased from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per two hectares, with additional support for intercrops on fallow land, and that these payments were excluded from cost calculations to avoid lowering farmers’ minimum prices. He reported that arrears in compensation had been cleared and payments completed for 70,548 farmers affected in the last Maha, while criticizing previous unpaid dues for onion seed and potato purchases. He said the Government is restoring the Paddy Marketing Board, expanding soil testing, seed production, research, technology use, and livestock development to stabilize food supply, improve market access, reduce food imports, and support exports. Adjournment Debate: Fair Guaranteed Price for Paddy AgriculturePublic FinanceCost of Living Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Namal Karunaratne requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question: UDA Projects in Gampaha DS Division (Q.4-1254/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, a two-week extension was requested to provide an answer. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down. Oral Questions: Stand Down (Q.2-117/2024 and Q.3-1253/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 August 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister tabled a written answer detailing LRC lands in Galle District allocated for industrial purposes as at 20 August 2025, including rubber, garment, livestock, vehicle-spare-parts, fertilizer, tea, footwear and industrial estate projects. The answer stated that all listed projects are operational except the Bettans Group footwear manufacturing enterprise. It explained that the Bettans land had been taken back for use as a Covid Centre, causing possession issues, and that arrangements have since been made to re-transfer possession to the applicant. Procedural Item: Speaker Directions and Questions Stood Down InfrastructureLand & HousingAgriculture Read →
19 August 2025 AI summary A petition from Mr. D.M. Wasantha Dissanayaka of Makulpotha, Nikaweratiya, was presented to Parliament. Petitions Presented by Members (Citizens' Petitions) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Namal Karunaratne stated that a rejected Chinese fertilizer consignment of 96,000 metric tons was ordered in breach of regulations, with 20,550 metric tons not entering the country due to incompatible microorganisms, yet Sri Lanka paid 75 per cent of the order value, amounting to USD 670,000 or Rs. 1,383 million. He said legal action is underway and maximum penalties will be pursued. He also outlined a Department of Agriculture plan to conduct plot-by-plot soil testing over four paddy seasons to standardize fertilizer use, improve yields, reduce costs, and limit soil degradation, while addressing resource gaps in 32 laboratories. Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) Public FinanceAgriculture Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said investigations into the Polonnaruwa fertilizer fraud, based on information from several Members, found that fertilizer labelled as containing 46% nitrogen had much lower nitrogen content and had already been widely distributed. He stated that such frauds harm farmers and the national economy, and argued that the current Act’s penalties are inadequate. He said the law should be amended to impose stronger, deterrent penalties. Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) AgricultureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
7 August 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the relevant Minister, provided details on the Regulation of Fertilizer Act, No. 68 of 1988, including penalties under Section 22 for fertilizer-related offences. He stated that imported and locally produced fertilizers are subject to laboratory testing and quality confirmation before market release, and outlined ongoing programmes to promote organic fertilizer production with the Makandura Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development Centre. He also noted that 54 organic fertilizer producers were registered in 2024 and 15 had been registered by 30 June 2025. Oral Question: Regulation of Fertilizer Act - Maximum Penalty on Fake Fertilizer Manufacturers (Q.5/2025) Agriculture Read →
6 August 2025 AI summary Namal Karunaratne said imported substandard produce, including pepper, had allegedly been mixed or re-exported as Sri Lankan goods, undermining farmers’ prices and damaging Sri Lanka’s export crop brand in markets such as India. He referred to past campaigns and discussions on the issue, and said the relevant Department is now under his Ministry, which is taking phased action against fraud, corruption and malpractice. He stated that the Government intends to reform the system and develop export crops to increase foreign exchange earnings. Oral Question: Agricultural Crop Export Producers and Regulatory Framework (Q.1/2025) Corruption & Governance ReformAgriculture Read →
6 August 2025 AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne said the export crop sector, including cinnamon and other major crops, has strong potential to earn foreign exchange. He noted past malpractices such as imported pepper being mixed and re-exported as Sri Lankan produce, and said steps are being taken with Ministers and farmer organizations to prevent this. He added that the Budget has substantially increased funding for the Department of Export Agriculture to promote cultivation and address marketing issues so farmers receive fair prices. Oral Question: Agricultural Crop Export Producers and Regulatory Framework (Q.1/2025) Agriculture Read →
6 August 2025 AI summary Approximately 700,000 stakeholders, including farmers, are involved in export-oriented crops and related industries. The Deputy Minister stated that the Department of Export Agriculture provides training, technical guidance, post-harvest quality support, investment facilitation, and market-linking assistance for export crops such as spices, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, turmeric and ginger. He added that a Business Advisory Unit and district/provincial awareness programmes support stakeholders, while electronic and social media are used to encourage youth participation in export agriculture. Oral Question: Agricultural Crop Export Producers and Regulatory Framework (Q.1/2025) Agriculture Read →