Politick Parliament. On record. For every citizen.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 6 February 2025

10th Parliament· 13 debates· 253 speeches· 66 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1739271735020022 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

‹ Previous sitting Next sitting ›

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Price Control of Rice 7 speeches
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB

      AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that the concerns raised would be noted and that special interventions would be undertaken, particularly in areas where conditions are worsening. The remark was made in the context of a discussion on rice price control and related details.

      Cost of Living Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development for current market prices of Nadu and Samba rice and whether the Government would take steps, including price controls, to reduce rice prices. He also sought information on Government-maintained rice reserves, their quantities, and the policy or actions being taken regarding rice imports to ensure consumers receive rice without shortages.

      Cost of LivingAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB

      AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that maximum retail and wholesale prices for local and imported rice had been imposed by the Consumer Affairs Authority following an artificial price increase, with compliance monitored by the CAA. He said the Government had allowed public and private rice imports and directed Lanka Sathosa to release rice to cooperatives and the open market after discussions with millers chaired by the President. He also said the Paddy Marketing Board, with Sathosa and relevant ministries, had begun purchasing the 2024–2025 Maha season paddy harvest to build a Government buffer stock, with storage facilities being prepared and repaired.

      Cost of LivingAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Minister’s response on rice prices, citing Central Bank and market figures showing retail prices above the stated maximum retail prices for Samba, Nadu and Kakulu rice. He argued that the Government’s paddy purchasing prices are below farmers’ costs, with farmers demanding at least Rs. 140 per kilogramme, and questioned the refusal to buy wet paddy. He asked whether the Government would revise the rice MRP in line with actual costs or strictly enforce the existing MRP through the Consumer Affairs Authority, including action against retailers.

      AgricultureCost of Living Full speech →
    • The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB

      AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe said traders had exploited a perceived rice shortage to sell above the maximum retail price, and noted that the Consumer Affairs Authority had conducted raids in several districts and would prosecute violations. He explained that the Government’s paddy purchasing price of Rs. 120 per kilogram was based on Hector Kobbekaduwa Institute costings, fertilizer subsidies, and an added component to cover farmers’ overheads. He argued that, considering milling conversion costs and by-product income, rice could be maintained at an MRP of Rs. 230 per kilogram, with Government intervention and Sathosa tenders aimed at protecting consumers while ensuring fair returns to farmers.

      AgricultureCost of Living Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara challenged the Minister’s claim on rice availability at maximum retail prices, saying many retail shops were not selling at those prices and citing uneven distribution of red Kakulu rice to co-operatives in Matara that caused queues and market distortions. He also questioned the Ministry’s handling of co-operatives, alleging that after Opposition victories in co-operative elections, Governors were appointing additional members under Section 60(a), and asked whether corrective action would be taken.

      Corruption & Governance ReformCost of Living Full speech →
    • The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB

      AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe explained that co-operatives are governed both by the Ministry and by devolved provincial authorities, and said he would examine the member’s concerns and respond. He noted that some co-operatives have not formed general councils even after elections were fully won, and said the Ministry is intervening to strengthen and guide the co-operative movement. He also undertook to look into the issue raised regarding Bingiriya, in the context of the Bingiriya Export Processing Zone factories.

      Land & Housing Full speech →