Sitting of Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1744106534050382 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening and Papers Presented 3 speeches
- 2 Petitions Petitions Presented 3 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: Mass Media (Q.74/2024(1)) - Postponed 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Prison Guard Vacancies (Q.125/2024) 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Provincial Commissioner of Revenue - Uva (Q.392/2025) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Scarcity of Coconuts and Archaeological Site Protection (Q.92/2024, Q.210/2024) 4 speeches
- 7 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Reopening of Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka 3 speeches
- 8 Opening Speaker's Announcements and Welcome 2 speeches
- 9 Procedural Ministerial Statements 5 speeches
- 10 Debate Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation 120 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha moved the customary Rs. 10 reductions to the Agriculture-related heads of expenditure and used the debate to argue that Sri Lanka’s agriculture and irrigation achievements should not be characterized as part of a “76-year curse.” He attributed recent agricultural damage to the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government’s sudden chemical fertilizer ban, citing reduced Maha and Yala harvests, continuing effects on tea yields, and the coconut shortage. He highlighted historical irrigation and settlement programmes, including Gal Oya and the Accelerated Mahaweli Programme, as central to rice self-sufficiency and increased paddy yields. He also questioned whether the Government’s Budget matches its manifesto, challenging the claim that agricultural land can generate Rs. 3 million per acre annually and asking where the necessary allocations are reflected.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the Government’s rice duty policy, arguing that maintaining the Rs. 65 duty and adding Rs. 10 benefited large millers rather than farmers or consumers, and said import duties should have been reduced during shortages to lower prices and regulate the market. He urged priority completion of the North Western Canal’s 12 km Bowathenna-Wemedilla tunnel, noting that USD 370 million is required for the project to deliver benefits. He also raised concerns about the egg industry and requested the removal of VAT on eggs, stating that there is limited value addition at most points of sale.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary The Minister said the expanded Ministry now brings agriculture, livestock, land, irrigation and Mahaweli functions together, while acknowledging inefficiencies, vacancies and the need to correct malpractice in key departments. He said the Government’s priority is food security through higher domestic production, earlier cultivation using full reservoirs, and imports only when necessary, citing the recent rice shortage and African Swine Fever’s impact on the pig industry. He stated that paddy purchasing for the 2024-2025 Maha season was set at production cost plus 30 per cent to ensure farmer profitability, and that similar attention was given to potato farmers. He also addressed data limitations, value-added rice uses, and said land requests for crops such as sorghum and durian would be assessed cautiously due to past misuse in land alienation.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha invited Members from both Government and Opposition to engage in a substantive debate on agriculture, emphasizing the sector’s particular vulnerability to climate conditions. He said he would listen to contributions, review the Hansard, and consider constructive proposals, including through cooperation with Opposition MPs, for the advancement of the sector.
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa proposed a National Agricultural Policy and National Land Use Plan to modernize agriculture, improve productivity, attract youth, strengthen markets, and address human–wildlife conflict through zoning, technology, compensation, insurance, and community-based measures. He cited international examples including the Netherlands and Costa Rica to argue for investment in research, precision farming, value addition, sustainability, and coordinated ecosystem management. He questioned whether farm-gate pricing and cost-per-acre calculations properly reflect farmers’ real costs, disaster risks, and regional variations, and called for timely compensation for crop losses. He also said any wildlife census must be conducted properly through coordination among the Agriculture, Wildlife, Forest and other relevant agencies, rather than by the Agriculture Ministry alone.
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Clarifies that the characterization of the amount as “large” was made by another member, not by him.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned whether the Budget allocation for agriculture adequately covers the full year, specifically asking where funding for the next Yala season would come from if only Maha-related needs are addressed. He said he was highlighting these gaps so they could be corrected in the Budget process.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary K.D. Lal Kantha stated that procured stocks could be used as collateral with banks to obtain funding or be allocated through Ministry funds. He indicated that existing financial mechanisms provide scope to manage or finance such stocks.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa said the Opposition was responding constructively to the Government’s invitation for participation and tabled proposals for consideration. He argued that state procurement should cover at least 7–10 per cent of the harvest to affect prices, rather than the planned 40,000 metric tons at about Rs. 3 billion, and should extend beyond paddy to crops such as big onions and potatoes under a national plan covering producers of all scales. He also called for a national programme to modernize water management and rehabilitate irrigation systems from village tanks upwards, with the aim of improving food security and developing an export-oriented agricultural economy.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock corrected the Opposition Leader’s claim that compensation for crop damage had not been paid. He stated that Rs. 952 million had already been paid to affected farmers, including payments made before the end of the season for the first time.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Deputy Minister on whether the increased Rs. 25,000 fertilizer subsidy had been provided to farmers on time. He stated that some farmers had received only Rs. 15,000 or Rs. 10,000 and alleged that the distribution had not yet been completed.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Acknowledging an identified issue, Namal Karunaratne stated that the existing system had been followed. He said corrective measures are being planned for the next season.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa referred to the Prime Minister’s statement that a programme remains incomplete and requested that the identified shortcoming be rectified.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB
AI summary Most payments related to the matter have been made. However, a separate issue has emerged and is currently under investigation, with details withheld at this stage.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Government to prioritize the Mundeni Aru irrigation project, including linking the Urukamam and Kithul tanks, citing potential benefits for irrigation of about 25,000 acres, drinking water supply, inland fisheries, minor tanks, seed production and tourism, with possible AFD concessional funding and grants. He also called for enforcement of court orders to remove illegal settlers from the Mayilathamadu grazing lands used by traditional cattle herders. He further requested fair guaranteed prices, timely fertilizer support and compensation for farmers, and plans to capture floodwaters from tanks such as Kandyian Aru and Adaichakal to reduce flooding and support agriculture.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe responded to issues raised on the Mundeni Aru project and Mayilathamadu grazing lands. He stated that Rs. 100 million has been allocated in the Budget for land acquisition and related work on Mundeni Aru, while discussions with AFD on prospective loan funding are ongoing. He denied that Opposition MPs had been excluded, saying they would be involved once AFD confirms funding readiness, and added that the Government is addressing the Mayilathamadu grazing lands issue sensitively.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government has consolidated previously fragmented responsibilities and is developing a structured livestock policy under the “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” programme. He outlined plans to rebuild dairy production by organizing farmers into societies, profiling producers by supply levels, improving fodder cultivation infrastructure, expanding artificial insemination and sexed semen use, and developing state farms under the Mahaweli Authority and NLDB as breeding and production centres. He also said poultry support would focus on reducing feed costs, expanding maize cultivation and pursuing export opportunities, while the swine sector would be revived to improve protein supply and reduce malnutrition.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson raised concerns that flood-affected farmers in Polonnaruwa have not received the compensation they were promised and said many were misled into expecting Rs. 100,000 per hectare for any crop damage. He clarified that the scheme is scaled according to the extent and duration of crop loss, and requested that officials communicate this through Agrarian Service Centres or a designated team. He cited extensive crop destruction in Medirigiriya, Gal Amuna, Pamburana, Palliyagodella and Dimbulagala, and said some affected areas had not yet been visited by officials. He also urged action on rising harvesting costs caused by wet conditions, which he said had increased from about Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 50,000–60,000 per hectare.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary Namal Karunaratne rejected a statement made by another member, saying he does not and has never eaten paddy. He added that paddy is eaten only when cattle trample fields, apparently responding to an accusation or remark made during the debate.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson urged relief for farmers affected by poor Maha-season conditions, proposing that at least 50 per cent of cultivation loans be waived where full write-offs are not possible. He called for protection and staffing of state seed farms, citing the 498-acre Polonnaruwa seed farm and the lack of permanent worker recruitment for a decade. He also proposed providing quality fertilizer through Agrarian Service Centres at Rs. 5,000 per bag and regulating pesticide costs to stabilize paddy and rice prices, while warning against allowing mill owners and traders to control prices, including for Keeri Samba.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleke SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleke asked the Government to clarify the status of the “Urumaya” programme, initiated under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to grant freehold land deeds to around two million people. He said the programme had reportedly halted since November 2024, leaving many people who surrendered existing permits or grants without valid documents or new freehold deeds. He urged the Minister to make a clear statement and, if the programme is restarted, to correct legal and administrative shortcomings while continuing it in a non-partisan manner.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the programme was halted due to 68 major shortcomings and that a committee has been appointed to examine them. He said implementation would resume in a revised form after recommendations addressing those shortcomings are received.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleke SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleke urged the Government to address legal and practical concerns before proceeding with freehold land deeds under “Urumaya,” or a renamed programme, noting risks of land sales, tenancy concentration, and issues relating to paddy lands. He called for long-delayed amendments to land laws including the Land Development Ordinance, Land Acquisition Act, Registration of Title Act, and land use planning legislation, while also strengthening institutions and officials dealing with widespread land disputes. He further requested action for owners whose lands were acquired or restricted for stalled projects such as the Kelani Valley railway upgrade, Ruwanpura Expressway, and Habarana railway line, either by returning the lands or completing acquisition and paying compensation.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleke SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleke criticised past and present handling of agriculture, citing the former Government’s chemical fertilizer ban and organic fertilizer policy as damaging to paddy and plantation crops. He said the current Government had also faced issues including delayed fertilizer subsidies, unpaid farmer compensation, delayed guaranteed paddy prices, rice shortages, and high rice and coconut prices. He called for accurate land-use data, secure land tenure, agricultural modernization, improved farmer incomes, and a shift toward commercial agriculture and food security, while questioning whether the Government had an effective plan for the sector.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF
AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne called for a shift in agricultural policy toward higher productivity through technology, improved seeds, mechanization, reliable data systems, and land consolidation where possible, noting that a large share of Sri Lanka’s workforce produces a comparatively small share of GDP. He cited the Netherlands as an example of high-output agriculture with fewer workers and urged a more income-focused approach to improve farmer earnings and national output. He also pressed the Government to implement a practical programme to address crop damage from wild animals, citing Hector Kobbekaduwa Institute figures on major losses to coconuts and other crops, and urged Government-Opposition cooperation on the issue.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson suspended the Sitting until 1.00 p.m. for lunch and later resumed proceedings with the Deputy Chairperson of Committees in the Chair. She then called on Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan and allotted him ten minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB
AI summary The speech outlined Budget allocations for agriculture, livestock, lands and irrigation, including funding for MILCO, and argued that the livestock sector has been weakened by shortages of veterinary staff, outdated vehicles, inadequate fuel and insufficient allowances. It raised concerns that farmers receive low prices while intermediaries capture high margins, and supported proposed government mechanisms through cooperatives and MILCO to improve paddy and milk marketing. It criticized past imports of unsuitable dairy cattle, particularly to dry-zone areas, and emphasized the suitability of indigenous cattle and buffalo systems in the North and East. A request was made to provide controlled grazing access on lands under Forest and Wildlife authorities, citing relevant forest and wildlife legislation and the cultural and livelihood role of cattle rearing.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law, and allocated him nine minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa argued that successive governments, including those led by Mahinda Rajapaksa and later administrations, had supported farmers through fertilizer subsidies, paddy purchasing and storage measures. He urged current Ministers who previously advocated for farmers from the Opposition to fulfil their promises in government, specifically referring to past claims that paddy should be priced at around Rs. 150–154 per kilogram.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that the matter being referred to occurred during the period when fertilizer was unavailable.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa argued that current paddy prices and the reduced fertilizer allocation require more practical intervention to protect farmer incomes, questioning whether the Rs. 5 billion set aside for paddy purchases is sufficient to influence market prices. He proposed soil testing and technology-based fertilizer distribution, greater adoption of modern farming methods, and credit support through cooperative and rural banks. He also raised concerns about police officers being required to vacate quarters within six months and requested a more practical timeframe, while noting issues at the German Technical College and expressing support for the planned count of monkeys, porcupines and langurs.
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan clarified that he had not urged the Government to bring Indian teachers, but had only referred to a past 2017 proposal that was opposed by the JVP. Speaking during the Agriculture Ministry debate, he urged attention to Upcountry farmers in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Welimada, including better management of vegetable seed supply and prices, soil pH testing, protection of local potato farmers through import controls or higher taxes during harvest, and support for common livestock sheds. He also requested more veterinary services in milk-producing areas such as Maskeliya and Bogawantalawa. He thanked Minister Bimal Rathnayake for prompt action over a Hatton bus incident involving a student, including suspending the officer concerned and obtaining an apology.
- The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister rejected Opposition claims about unpaid flood compensation in Polonnaruwa, stating that Rs. 103.2 million had been paid to 6,234 farmers for 9,058.9 acres within a month of the damage. He defended the Government’s paddy purchasing price of Rs. 120 per kilo as based on production cost calculations and Treasury constraints, and said fertilizer subsidy spending would be reviewed in light of past allocations and actual disbursements. He outlined plans to move toward pesticide-free agriculture, require officer certification for agrochemical use, expand certified seed production through 29 seed farms, fund value-added agricultural industries, improve transport and market systems, and reduce maize imports by meeting national demand within two seasons.
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim raised concerns about the proposed Yatiyantota Wee Oya Reservoir Development Project, a World Bank-supported climate disaster mitigation initiative affecting communities in the Yatiyantota and Deraniyagala electorates. He said over 200 families face uncertainty over land acquisition, compensation, alternative land, livelihoods and resettlement support, particularly smallholder tea growers needing suitable replacement lands. He requested that the Ministry clarify whether and when the project will proceed and ensure officials communicate a fair compensation and resettlement mechanism to affected villagers.
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concern during the Committee Stage debate about crop damage caused by wild animals, noting that addressing this issue had been a Government election promise. He said an earlier programme to trap and relocate monkeys was no longer operating and questioned whether the recently announced wildlife census would provide timely relief. Referring to his experience chairing the Kegalle District Coordinating Committee from 2015 to 2019, he emphasized that Kegalle is among the districts seriously affected by the problem.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera urged the Government to move beyond surveys and implement measures to control monkey-related crop damage, particularly in Kegalle, proposing sterilization, relocation, and a payment scheme for captured animals while rejecting culling as impractical. He said agricultural and home-gardening programmes would be undermined unless long-term action is taken to reduce losses, including the reported annual loss of coconuts and other crops. He also called for environmentally sensitive lands, including LRC and JEDB lands such as Nagastenna/Kandal Oya Estate in Yatiyantota, to be identified, gazetted, and protected from disposal or misuse under tourism or other pretexts.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member speaking that they had approximately two minutes remaining, serving as a procedural time warning during the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera briefly acknowledges the Deputy Chairperson and does not present any substantive argument, proposal, question, or policy position in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Dr. Susil Ranasinghe noted that Hon. Kabir Hashim and another Member had raised the issue of the Wee Oya Reservoir. He sought clarification on whether the Member supported the reservoir’s construction and was requesting the Government to proceed with its implementation.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera stated that the project had advanced because consent had been granted. He emphasized support for implementing development plans.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim said that while the project may benefit the Kelani Basin, it should not proceed in a way that harms residents of Kegalle District. He stated that the taking of people’s lands without providing them proper places to live would be opposed, and called for justice and safeguards for affected communities.
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera urged the Minister to ensure fair resettlement and compensation for villagers affected by a World Bank-supported development project, noting that proper assessments had been promised. He said affected small tea-holders want land in Nagastenna or nearby estates, preferably together as relatives and community members, and would not oppose the project if given clear assurances. He expressed support for development, flood-control and drinking-water projects, provided they are implemented without harming local people, and requested the Minister to visit the area, meet the affected group and resolve their concerns.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired, noting that an additional minute had already been granted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera briefly acknowledges the proceedings and expresses thanks. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question is raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said the Government intends to address bottlenecks in irrigation projects, including the Wee Oya Reservoir project and other stalled projects nationwide. He stated that while environmental concerns and public opposition would be considered, the Government would proceed through discussions with affected communities, provide relief, and ensure fair treatment and justice in any necessary relocation.
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera urged the Deputy Minister to meet affected residents and provide clear assurances regarding a contested project. He said conflicting statements by government-side politicians were preventing people from using or replanting their lands, and called for clarity on whether the project would proceed, along with guarantees of proper land allocation, due compensation, and prevention of injustice.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said public opposition to the project reflects past experiences where similar initiatives burdened communities, and stated that the Government is proceeding cautiously through public engagement. He said environmental studies are being re-examined in consultation with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department, and that further discussions with affected people will be held before proceeding. He assured that no multi-purpose or other project would be implemented if it harms people or the environment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama to speak and informed him that he had 11 minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama said past policy decisions, particularly the chemical fertilizer and agrochemical ban, damaged agriculture and weakened farmer confidence, while current reforms aim to rebuild institutions under capable leadership. He argued that productivity must increase through science, research, new technologies, and stronger links with universities and research institutes, especially amid climate change, pests, floods, and droughts. He highlighted Budget allocations to priority reforms, including development of 29 seed farms over the next eight months and implementation of the Seed Act to provide certified, quality seeds with assured germination and varietal purity.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan and allotted him nine minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan urged the Government to allocate grazing lands and release farmland and pasture areas controlled by the Forest Conservation and Wildlife Conservation Departments, as well as lands held by the military, warning that delays are harming livestock farmers and cultivation. He highlighted farmers’ financial distress, delayed paddy purchasing arrangements, crop losses from disasters, and risks from unsafe drying practices and expired agro-chemicals, calling for drying facilities and stronger chemical regulation. He also requested urgent implementation of reservoir-based drinking water schemes in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, citing unreliable groundwater, waterborne disease risks and kidney disease linked to poor water quality.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena to speak next and allotted him 12 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena urged the Ministry to regularize land documentation in farming areas, especially in Monaragala, where long-term cultivators face boundary disputes and uncertainty over permits, grants, deeds, and stalled “Urumaya” title applications. He requested either the restoration of cancelled prior documents or a process to issue notarial deeds, and called for timely, full fertilizer subsidy payments to support rice self-sufficiency. He also asked the Government to commence the Nakkala Anicut/Kumbukkan Oya Development project to expand irrigation and drinking water supply in Monaragala, release traditional farmlands transferred to the Wildlife Department, and strengthen electric fencing to address the human–elephant conflict.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Aruna Panagoda and allocated him 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB
AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda supported the Agriculture Ministry’s expenditure proposals, emphasizing the rehabilitation of fallow paddy lands in Colombo and the need to address farmers’ problems through public participation. He defended the planned animal census as necessary to quantify crop damage by species such as porcupines, peacocks, monkeys and wild boar, citing a serious wild boar problem in Homagama and the need for data before relocating animals. He also alleged irregular private transfers of Land Reform Commission and state lands to politically connected persons, calling for rectification. He urged strengthened village-level farmer support, improved agrarian and veterinary services, and policies to ensure food security, fair farmer returns, and affordable consumer prices.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan to address the House and allocated him eight minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan welcomed the increased overall allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Resources, Lands and Irrigation in the 2025 Budget, but criticized reductions to agriculture, livestock and irrigation development allocations as inconsistent with rice self-sufficiency goals. He argued that unreleased pre-1985 cultivated lands, unrepaired tanks and anicuts, encroachments, and restrictions by the Forest, Wildlife, Archaeology and related authorities in Trincomalee District are significantly reducing paddy production. He urged the Minister to implement earlier decisions to release former farmlands, rehabilitate irrigation assets including Yan Oya-linked tanks, address departmental obstruction, and resolve restrictions on traditional pasture lands in Verugal.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. B. Ariyawansha to speak and allotted him nine minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha highlighted problems across agriculture beyond paddy, including high input costs for vegetable and fruit farmers, crop losses, wildlife damage, marketing failures, and the lack of fertilizer support outside paddy cultivation. He questioned whether rice could be maintained at around Rs. 220 per kilogram given current paddy purchase prices, and urged measures to protect both farmers and consumers. He called for action against chemical fruit ripening, better marketing and price support for banana, cinnamon, pepper and clove producers, and an investigation into the closure and debts of the Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board, while expressing support for effective government programmes for farmers.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister, to speak and informed him that he had 13 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe — Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government has appointed a nine-member expert committee, with Cabinet approval, to review the “Urumaya” freehold title programme and recommend whether it should continue, be reformed or halted, including how to handle permits already issued. He outlined Budget allocations to regularize and complete stalled irrigation projects, citing Yan Oya, Uma Oya, Ellewewa, Lower Malwathu Oya and the North Central Province Canal, with about Rs. 60,000 million allocated overall for reservoir, canal, rehabilitation and related works. He also said land administration delays have left many people without deeds or permits, and that the Ministry intends to streamline titling processes while pursuing a national land policy and land-use plan.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam and allotted him four minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged the release of farmlands and small irrigation tanks in Vavuniya and the Vanni that have become inaccessible due to boundary demarcations by the Forest and Wildlife Departments after resettlement. He requested Budget-funded restoration of long-neglected and breached small tanks, raised concerns about settlement practices under the Mahaweli “L” Zone and Lower Malwathu Oya Project causing demographic changes and tensions, and asked that such practices not continue. He also called for government support to manage whitefly infestations through shared spraying equipment, an increase in the fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 20,000 per acre preferably supplied through Agrarian Service Centres, compensation for flood-damaged black gram cultivation, and free or expanded crop insurance for subsidy recipients.
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara paid tribute to A.H.L. Keerthiratne, a senior protocol officer of Parliament retiring after 37 years and 7 months of service under 11 Speakers. He conveyed Parliament’s gratitude for Keerthiratne’s long service and wished him well in retirement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. M.A.M. Thahir to speak and informed him that he had 16 minutes allotted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to prioritize irrigation development and rehabilitation in the Ampara District, noting its major contribution to national paddy production through the Gal Oya scheme and Senanayake Samudraya. He called for deepening and upgrading Senanayake Samudraya, speedy technical assessments for flood-damaged bunds, canals and roads, rehabilitation of minor tanks, and implementation of the long-delayed Clan Oya project to expand cultivation and address drinking water shortages in Pottuvil. He also requested urgent action to fill vacancies in Tamil-language Agrarian Service Centres and Agricultural Research and Production Assistant posts, arguing that inadequate staffing hampers farmer support and national food production.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary M.A.M. Thahir raised concerns that Muslims had been excluded from senior public service positions and economically harmed, including through attacks on traders’ shops and past government policies. He urged the Minister to prevent further injustice, specifically citing the need to rehabilitate bunds and tanks to protect agriculture, and called for proper development of the area.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne took the Chair after the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair. No substantive speech, argument, proposal, or policy issue was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla addressed the Appropriation debate on the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, focusing on land management, soil restoration and the need to increase agricultural productivity within Sri Lanka’s limited land area. He urged scientific soil testing and rehabilitation, restoration of farmer-organization lands in Mahiyanganaya allegedly transferred under previous administrations, and the issuance of long-delayed land grants to genuine Mahaweli settlers. He also called for rehabilitation of minor tanks in Mahaweli “C”, better use of underutilized public assets, and renewed investment in infrastructure, value addition and productivity for farming communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary K. Kader Masthan rejected allegations tabled in Parliament that he obtained fuel station licences after entering politics, stating that the relevant licences predated his parliamentary career and requesting verification before such claims are made. He cautioned against communal or religiously sensitive rhetoric, opposed MMDA amendments that he said would contradict Sharia principles, and urged the Government to act fairly toward religious communities. On the Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Budget Head, he welcomed allocations for the Lower Malwathu Oya/KCM scheme but called for the release of agricultural lands gazetted as forest after wartime displacement, funding for the Pali Aru project, and further support for tanks, canals and farm roads in the war-affected North and East.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala emphasized the importance of restoring soil health and microbial activity, arguing that excessive synthetic fertilizer use has degraded soil organic matter and reduced yields. He outlined the Government’s Soil Health Card programme, noting initial implementation in the Mahaweli “H” area, a 2025 target of 15,000 cards, and the use of soil testing to guide precise fertilizer recommendations. He said fertilizer subsidies have been liberalized to support organic and integrated approaches, and provided figures on farmer compensation and insurance payments for 2024 and early 2025, including flood-related support.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper highlighted recurrent flooding and irrigation failures affecting the Karavakuvattai paddy lands in Kalmunai, which he attributed to changes following the Gal Oya Dam, road reconstruction, altered drainage, and increased climate-related inflows. Citing agricultural and income data for Ampara and specific acreages of affected cultivation, he argued that the district’s farming economy is being significantly damaged by man-made infrastructure problems. He urged the Government to adopt as policy a long-term proposal, previously reflected in a JICA plan, to build a secondary downstream dam to regulate Gal Oya overflow, support irrigation and hydropower, and protect about 3,000 acres of paddy land.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB
AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook welcomed the Minister’s commitments to address wild elephant issues and flooding in Akurana, arguing that the Akurana problem stems from decades of canal-bank encroachment enabled by successive governments and political patronage. He said the current Government, in office for three months, is pursuing action through multiple agencies, including seeking University of Peradeniya engineering input and allocating Rs. 22 million to the SLLDC for a feasibility study, after earlier reports were not implemented. He also stated that the Government is addressing drinking water shortages in Delthota and would proceed as quickly as possible.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara argued that the Budget’s agricultural support is inadequate and uneven, citing limited disbursement of the Rs. 35 billion fertilizer subsidy and exclusion of many non-paddy farmers. He questioned the Government’s paddy procurement and buffer stock plans, rice imports, price controls, and handling of millers, while calling for fertilizer support to all crops and a guaranteed price for maize amid import licences and falling local prices. He also contrasted past irrigation and agricultural development with current policy, rejected a return to all-organic farming, and urged urgent action to address the crisis in the sugar sector, including blocked ethanol and sugar sales and unpaid workers.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to criticisms on fertilizer allocations, rice import duties, controlled rice prices and the guaranteed paddy price, arguing that budget figures reflected past loan servicing and that pricing decisions were based on official, academic and farmer-organization cost assessments. He said the Government had maintained the Rs. 65 per kilogram rice import duty, revived the Paddy Marketing Board, ensured farmers received about Rs. 130–140 per kilogram for paddy, and paid outstanding crop insurance, procurement and MILCO dues. He also stated that planned sales of state plantation and livestock assets had been halted, MILCO’s loans were being serviced, and productivity targets such as Rs. 3 million per acre were average benchmarks to be pursued through soil testing, better inputs, technology and coordinated agency programmes.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof criticized the Government’s handling of paddy purchasing, arguing that mill owners are buying and hoarding paddy directly from fields despite official commitments to pay farmers higher prices, contributing to rice shortages, imports from India, and higher retail prices. Referring to the previous Government’s fertilizer policy failure and its impact on the agriculture sector, he urged the Minister to prioritize farmers’ needs and adopt sustainable agricultural policies.
Agriculture Full speech → - Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB
AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised land and livestock-related issues in the Trincomalee District, urging the Government to allocate suitable pastureland, including part of the Kanthalai Sugar Factory estate during the dry season, to reduce pressure on cattle farmers and prevent communal tensions. He sought clarification on the distribution of Kanthalai Sugar Factory lands and called for a proper plan to protect and allocate those lands. He also highlighted divisional boundary disputes, overlapping land claims by state agencies, human-elephant conflict, and land issues affecting long-term residents and farmers in areas such as Kappalthurai and Kuchchaveli, requesting solutions and the issuing of land permits where appropriate.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka supported the Appropriation Head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, describing it as central to food security and national development, while criticizing the Opposition for lacking constructive proposals. He highlighted the need to survey and productively allocate Land Reform Commission lands, citing alleged past misuse and political land grabs, and urged an expedited programme for using available lands for enterprises and industries. He also raised the issue of wildlife-related crop damage, estimating losses at 35–40 per cent, and noted ongoing efforts involving the University of Peradeniya and State agencies to develop data-based mitigation measures.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said the allocation of unused Kantale Sugar Factory lands followed a presidential policy decision to provide such lands to farmers, including regularizing some previously unauthorized cultivation. He stated that applications were called through the Divisional Secretariat, land was surveyed, and allocations were made on an annual rental basis, with about 1,300 farmers having received land so far and further applications pending.
Land & Housing Full speech → - The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe welcomed the guaranteed price for paddy but said it was announced too late in Ampara and other Northern and Eastern districts, after much of the harvest had been sold, and requested that future prices be declared before harvesting begins. He urged the Government and the Chair to uphold parliamentary decorum, prevent racist or personal remarks, and promote inter-communal unity in the post-war context. He also called for the commencement of the Heda Oya irrigation scheme to improve Yala cultivation in Ampara and Monaragala areas, and requested action to reclaim flood-affected Gal Oya paddy lands by utilizing allocated World Bank funds for drainage improvements.
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns over post-2009 land acquisition and forest reservation in the Vanni region by the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife Conservation, alleging that residential lands, paddy fields, irrigation areas, roads, and burial grounds had been gazetted without proper procedure or consultation. He cited district figures for Mullaitivu, including 167,487 acres declared as forest and 69,401 acres brought under wildlife-related designations such as Nandikadal, Nayaru, and Sundikkulam. He urged the Minister and Deputy Minister responsible for lands to review and remedy these land issues and to allocate adequate pastureland for large cattle populations in Mannar, Vavuniya, and Mullaitivu.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip
AI summary Minister Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament about the sexual assault of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital hostel, stating that the suspect had been arrested within 36 hours and that investigations were continuing. He said the Government and Health Ministry had intervened to strengthen security, assess administrative and security lapses at the hospital, and provide better official housing and protection for health staff. He also requested responsible media conduct to protect the victim’s identity. The Minister urged health-sector trade unions to call off the 24-hour island-wide strike, arguing that patient services should resume while the Government continued discussions and remedial action.
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa – Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had provided farmer relief within its first 100 days without resorting to borrowing, excessive taxation or money printing, citing Rs. 952 million paid to 53,511 farming families for flood damage and Rs. 12.28 billion paid in Ampara for the 2024-2025 Maha season. He rejected claims that the Eastern Province was neglected, listing allocations for Gal Oya, Mundeni Aru, Maha Oya, potable water, flood control and reservoir fisheries, as well as measures to reduce wildlife-related crop damage. He also noted that decisions on the Heda Oya project had been taken by the Ampara and Monaragala District Coordinating Committees and called for coordinated implementation.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka urged the Health Ministry to address safety and accommodation deficiencies for doctors, especially female on-call staff, following the Anuradhapura incident, calling for immediate security measures and repairs while noting that he was not justifying strike action. He also clarified that reports of a ban on politicians attending school functions were inaccurate, saying the Prime Minister had instead called for schools not to be politicized. On agriculture and rice prices, he questioned the Government’s management of controlled rice prices and paddy purchasing, arguing that a Rs. 10 increase had imposed a significant financial burden on consumers and asking who benefited from it.
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha – Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation
AI summary Minister Lal Kantha thanked Members, ministry officials, provincial and district bodies, and parliamentary staff for their contributions, while saying the Opposition had offered limited substantive input apart from some points raised by Hon. D.V. Chanaka. He urged health-sector workers to end strike action linked to security concerns, arguing that government intervention was underway and the public should not be inconvenienced. He said allocated funds for agriculture, livestock, land, irrigation and Mahaweli responsibilities would be managed efficiently and accountably over the eight-month Budget period, with support from provincial structures, Cabinet and the President as Finance Minister.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair announced the expenditure heads for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. The recurrent allocation was Rs. 83.894 billion and the capital allocation was Rs. 124.828 billion.
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Finance, K.D. Lal Kantha moved a Committee Stage amendment to the 2025 Appropriation Bill under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, increasing the Capital Expenditure allocation to Rs. 133,078,000,000. The amendment and related votes for Head 118, including recurrent and capital allocations under Programmes 01 and 02, were put to the House and agreed to.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary At the Committee Stage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, K.D. Lal Kantha moved an amendment to Head 118, Programme 02, relating to Development Activities. The amendment increased the capital provision by Rs. 5.5 billion to Rs. 101.507 billion, reflecting allocations under Budget Proposals Nos. 8 and 36, while recurrent expenditure remained at Rs. 47.781 billion. The amendment and the relevant expenditure heads were agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
- Department of Agrarian Development (Head 281)
AI summary Parliament approved the allocations under Head 281 for the Department of Agrarian Development. The agreed provisions included recurrent and capital expenditure for Operational Activities of Rs. 854 million and Rs. 73 million respectively, and for Development Activities of Rs. 10.421 billion and Rs. 4.183 billion respectively, all ordered to stand part of the Schedule.
- Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair put to the Committee the expenditure votes for the Department of Agrarian Development and the Department of Irrigation. The Committee agreed to the specified recurrent and capital allocations under Head 281 and the operational allocations under Head 282, and ordered those items to stand part of the Schedule; the next item introduced was Head 282, Programme 02, for development activities with recurrent expenditure of Rs. 3,677 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 17,275 million.
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Moved an amendment during the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025 under Head 282, Programme 02.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair asked whether the Committee agreed to the matter under consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Head 282, Programme 02, increasing the capital allocation to Rs. 19,275,000,000 by adding Rs. 2,000,000,000 under Budget Proposal No. 13, while approving recurrent expenditure of Rs. 3,677,000,000. It then approved the Department of Agriculture’s Head 285, Programme 01 allocations of Rs. 722,000,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 100,000,000 for capital expenditure. Programme 02 of Head 285 was then introduced with allocations of Rs. 6,406,000,000 in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 3,761,000,000 in capital expenditure.
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary During the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025, K.D. Lal Kantha moved an amendment under Head 285, Programme 02. The remarks were procedural and did not provide further details on the substance or rationale of the amendment.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair asked whether the Committee agreed to the matter before it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Head 285, Programme 02, increasing the capital provision by Rs. 500 million to Rs. 4,261 million, incorporating allocations under Budget Proposal No. 33, while approving recurrent expenditure of Rs. 6,406 million. The Committee then approved allocations for the Department of Land Commissioner General, Department of Land Title Settlement, and Department of Surveyor General of Sri Lanka across specified recurrent and capital expenditure programmes. It proceeded to take up Head 289, the Department of Export Agriculture, with proposed Programme 02 allocations of Rs. 1,101 million in recurrent expenditure and Rs. 1,371 million in capital expenditure.
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary During the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2025, an amendment was moved under Head 289, Programme 02. The intervention was procedural and did not include further policy argument or explanation in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Chairman
AI summary The Chair asked whether the Committee agreed to the matter before it, seeking procedural consent to proceed.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Members
AI summary The Committee agreed to an amendment under Head 289, Programme 02, increasing capital expenditure to Rs. 1,621,000,000 by incorporating Rs. 250,000,000 from Budget Proposal No. 43, while approving recurrent expenditure of Rs. 1,101,000,000. It also approved allocations for the Department of Animal Production and Health under Head 292 and the Department of Land Use Policy Planning under Head 327. Progress was reported at 6.17 p.m., and the Committee was scheduled to sit again on 14 March 2025.
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- 11 Papers Papers on Annual Reports - MILCO and Land Reform Commission 5 speeches
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Mitigation of Floods Caused by Nilwala Salinity Barrier 8 speeches
- 13 Papers Written Answers to Questions 1 speeches