Hon. Rathna Gamage, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Galle

Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

Profession: Politician

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Speeches 35 #126 of 225·#69 in party

Attendance 6/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

35 speeches

19 August 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented two petitions to Parliament. The petitions were submitted on behalf of Mr. G.K.H. Pushpakumara of Aanangoda and Mr. W.P.G.S. Indika of Galle. Petitions Presented by Members (Citizens' Petitions) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 July 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage defended the temporary relaxation of salt import restrictions under Gazette 2437/04, stating it was a Cabinet-approved measure to stabilize supply after a shortfall was anticipated in December 2024. He said the fisheries and dried fish sectors require substantial quantities of salt, citing an estimated 10,000 metric tons per month for processors in Negombo alone, and explained that salt production takes close to a year due to technical and climatic requirements. He noted that national production fell from 199,000 metric tons in 2022 to 103,000 metric tons in 2024, partly due to rainfall, while annual demand is about 180,000 metric tons for food and industrial uses. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
8 July 2025 AI summary A petition from Mr. K.D.H.S.S. de Silva of Ganahena, Unawatuna, was presented to Parliament. Petitions Presented by Members Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage presented a petition from Mr. Ipalawattage Gamini of Ahangama, Nintavur, Pelassa Road, for the consideration of Parliament. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
20 May 2025 AI summary Two petitions were tabled by the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources on behalf of Mr. D.N. Dias of Avissawella and Mr. K. Indika Kumara of Ahangama. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
17 March 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented two petitions to Parliament. The petitions were from Mr. M.K. Devapriya of Colombo 14, associated with the Security Division of Embassies, and Mrs. Sudanti Miranda Samaranayake of Dodanduwa. Petitions Presentation Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage clarified that the Government had not promised fuel at Rs. 150 per litre, but was instead providing a Rs. 25 per litre fuel subsidy for fisheries, capped at Rs. 300,000 per multi-day trip with proportionate limits for smaller craft. He disputed claims that no assistance had been paid, citing subsidy payments allegedly made to vessels associated with Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Public Finance Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage responded to the Leader of the Opposition’s claim that fuel subsidies were not being provided, stating that fuel relief had been given since the President assumed office. He said Rs. 863 million had already been disbursed out of an allocation of Rs. 3,000 million and undertook to table district- and vessel-level details of the subsidies for transparency. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 Public Finance Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the Government’s fisheries programme under the 2025 Budget, noting an increased allocation of Rs. 11.44 billion plus Rs. 3 billion for fuel relief, with Rs. 863 million already disbursed under a Rs. 25-per-litre subsidy scheme. He said the Ministry is introducing a coordinated central-provincial administrative framework, expanding and rectifying harbour facilities, addressing ice monopolies, reducing post-harvest losses through new technology, and expanding fish distribution through Ceylon Fisheries Corporation outlets, Sathosa and Co-op Cities. He also highlighted measures for the North, inland fisheries under NAQDA’s “Reservoirs to Factories” concept, and proposed reforms to fisher insurance and institutional debts inherited by the Fisheries Corporation. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage: Heads 124, 216, 331, 151 and 290 AgricultureInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
19 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage said the Budget significantly increases the Environment Ministry allocation to Rs. 16.7 billion, compared with about Rs. 8.6-8.7 billion in the previous two years, to support nature and animal welfare. He contrasted this with a reduction in the President’s Vote from Rs. 6.6 billion to Rs. 2.98 billion, arguing that cuts at the top reflect the Government’s political approach and fiscal priorities. He urged public support for the Budget’s plan to rebuild the country. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading EnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
19 February 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage supported the 2025 Budget as the Government’s first budget, arguing that it advances a production economy with public participation and fair distribution. He highlighted allocations and measures for agriculture, fisheries and food supply, including Rs. 35 billion for paddy cultivation, Rs. 5 billion for paddy procurement, Rs. 78 billion for irrigation, a proposed rail-based harvest transport system, Rs. 500 million for the Northern Coconut Triangle, and an increased fisheries allocation of Rs. 11.4 billion. He also outlined plans for cooperative village-level paddy harvesting, milling and distribution, and cited increases to welfare and education-related allowances such as pre-school meals, scholarships, university bursaries, kidney patient support and elderly assistance. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading AgricultureEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
18 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, formally presented twelve public petitions to Parliament. The petitions were submitted by individuals from areas including Akmeemana, Galle, Imaduwa, Nuwara Eliya, Ahangama, Unawatuna and Kalutara. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage stated that volunteers, including engineers and other intellectuals, are coming forward to contribute to national development without financial motive. He said the Cabinet combines theoretical and practical expertise to implement the country’s recovery plan. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Public Finance Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage supported the Vote on Account, arguing that it gives practical effect to the President’s policy statement by increasing support for the fisheries sector and linking it to a broader plan for a productive economy. He cited Sri Lanka’s maritime resources and past budget allocations, stating that Rs. 5,769 million has been allocated for fisheries for the next four months, benefiting workers and dependent communities. He said the Government aims over five years to raise fish consumption, increase fisheries’ GDP contribution, and improve training and status within the sector. He also defended the Government’s advisory arrangements, contrasting them with previous administrations and naming professionals now involved. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) AgricultureEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
5 December 2024 AI summary Rathna Gamage defended the Vote on Account, stating it is a constitutionally established interim financial measure rather than a Budget, and criticized Opposition Members for allegedly misrepresenting its contents. He rejected claims about allocations for presidential advisers and clarified fisheries relief measures, including diesel subsidies for multi-day vessels and small boats, with monthly settlement arrangements approved through the Fisheries Ministry. He argued that the Vote on Account provides a four-month framework to support the productive economy under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Public FinanceParliamentary ProcedureAgriculture Read →