Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Monaragala

Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security

Profession: Administrator

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Speeches 45 #100 of 225·#48 in party

Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

45 speeches

19 March 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security has consolidated 17 institutions to improve food security, market access and daily consumer welfare, while correcting past misuse of public resources. He alleged widespread irregularities in cooperatives, Lanka Sathosa, Economic Centres, Mahapola, STC and related entities, citing uncollected cooperative loans, missing audit files, undervalued asset sales, loss-making rental arrangements, unusable imported rice-milling machines and missing public funds. He stated that investigations are under way and that the Ministry will standardize governance and refocus institutions on their intended functions, including fair prices for farmers and consumers and support for vulnerable students. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) AgricultureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
10 March 2025 AI summary Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana presented two petitions to Parliament on behalf of constituents from Wellawaya: Mr. E.M.N.G. Edirisooriya of Haputale Road, Malchattawela, and Mr. H.A. Nayana Thilak Ratnayake of “Nayana,” Ella Road, Geenahapuwa. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
18 February 2025 AI summary Hon. R. M. Jayawardhana defended the NPP Government’s first Budget, stating that it was organized around 12 priority areas including health, education, transport, agriculture, social protection, national security, and public services. He clarified that the proposed Sinhala-Tamil New Year “essentials pack” would be a concessional Lanka Sathosa package worth about Rs. 15,000 sold for Rs. 10,000, not a free handout. He highlighted increases to Mahapola and other student stipends, allocations for SMEs, industrial parks, tourism, agriculture, education, and Eastern Province irrigation, and said the Government was seeking to sustain Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar companies without closures. He concluded that the Budget provided salary and pension improvements and reflected better public financial management. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget EducationEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
23 January 2025 AI summary Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana supported regulations under import and export control laws, arguing they are necessary to manage essential goods and safeguard food security. He criticized the previous administration for policies and actions he said contributed to rice, fertilizer, and coconut supply problems, including the organic-only fertilizer policy, substandard fertilizer imports, and land-use decisions. He stated that the Government would ensure accurate statistics, protect both farmers and consumers in pricing and supply decisions, and take measures to guarantee food security. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Cost of LivingAgriculturePublic Finance Read →
6 December 2024 AI summary R.M. Jayawardhana raised a question regarding the financial and operational difficulties at the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar companies, both under the Sri Lanka Sugar Company and economically significant to Monaragala District. He noted that Pelwatte has 23,000 metric tons of unsold sugar and over one million litres of stored ethanol, with similar issues at Sevanagala, leading to protests. He asked the Minister whether any decisions had been taken to address the crisis. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters AgriculturePublic Finance Read →