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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Friday, 23 May 2025

10th Parliament· 12 debates· 177 speeches· 55 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1750228312097834 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

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

  6. 6 Oral question Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) 7 speeches
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB

      AI summary Kins Nelson asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development whether the “Sarusara” concessionary loan scheme for small-scale farmers has been introduced, and if so, what its objectives are. He requested details on the number of beneficiaries, the lending criteria, and the measures being taken to financially empower farmers, or reasons if such a scheme has not been introduced.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

      AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance, confirmed that the “Sarusara” loan scheme is in operation to support working capital needs of micro and small-scale farmers, promote financial inclusion, strengthen household agriculture, and reduce rural poverty and disparities. He stated that 1,216,587 farmers received loans between 2010 and 2024, subject to criteria including farmer status, lawful access to land, non-default status, and co-borrower requirements for applicants aged 65 or above. He also outlined support linked to the scheme, including fertilizer subsidies, affordable seeds, guaranteed prices, crop insurance, irrigation services, and warehouse receipt financing through selected Government warehouses.

      Public FinanceAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB

      AI summary Asked what maximum loan amount would be available to small and medium farmers, particularly for short-term crops including paddy, under the Government’s “Sarusara” New Enhanced Rural Credit Scheme announced for annual implementation from 2025 by the Department of Development Finance of the General Treasury.

      Agriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma

      AI summary The Minister stated that higher loan or support amounts may be considered depending on an applicant’s capacity, repayment method, and previous track record. He explained that the current framework sets ceilings by input category, such as fertilizer subsidies, agricultural equipment purchases, and seeds, and said detailed limits would be tabled for Members’ reference.

      Public FinanceAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB

      AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson asked whether the Ministry has fixed a specific repayment deadline for farmer loans. He said maize cultivators in districts such as Ampara, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura are facing difficulties repaying loans because guaranteed prices have not been declared.

      Cost of LivingAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma

      AI summary Loans under the crop-based support mechanism vary by segment, with short-term crops eligible for up to about Rs. 3 million and nurseries for about Rs. 500,000. Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said the objective is to help farmers repay on time and avoid defaults, even where guaranteed prices are not available, and that the mechanism is functioning satisfactorily. He added that relevant institutions can discuss remedial arrangements where borrowers face repayment difficulties.

      Agriculture Full speech →