Sitting of Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1752482630017444 ·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 Message from the President 19 speeches
- 2 Papers Announcements and Papers 14 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions Presented by Members 10 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Television Channels and Code of Ethics (Q. 496/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Disappearances in North-East after Civil War (Q. 516/2025) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Drinking Water Supply Projects and Deduru Oya Reservoir (Q. 793/2025) 7 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Registered Co-operative Societies and Banks in North-Central Province (Q. 845/2025) 6 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Common Lands Allotted in Private Land Sales in Minuwangoda (Q. 849/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Refuse Tea Production in Tea Factories 6 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Tea Replanting and Infilling (2014-2018) 6 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Urumaya Freehold Deeds in Manmunai North Division 3 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Community Water Projects - Costs and Progress 6 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: Second Round (Q. 725/2025) 3 speeches
- 14 Procedural Leader of Opposition Question Period and Points of Order 19 speeches
- 15 Debate Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) 62 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary Moved approval of a Regulation under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/04 of 19 May 2025 and presented to Parliament on 17 June 2025. He stated that the motion was made on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, with Cabinet approval already granted.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake rose on a point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was made in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a procedural concern that annexes said to have been tabled in response to his Question No. 310/2024 on 20 June 2025 were not included in the Hansard record or the physical answer. He said this undermines Members’ access to information when, due to time limits, they accept the tabling of answers instead of full oral responses.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister moved approval of Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/04 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to temporarily relax salt import restrictions following a weather-related domestic shortage. He said the measure allowed household and industrial salt imports without licences for consignments shipped before 10 June 2025, helping end market queues, contain prices, and restore supply. He noted reported regulatory breaches by some importers, pending Customs entries for about 29,900 metric tonnes, and quality testing of containers by standards authorities, with non-compliant or irregular stocks liable for re-export. He also stated that the Government would support accelerated domestic salt production, mechanization, quality improvement, and export-oriented value addition with private sector participation.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Minister on the VAT treatment of Uber’s operations in Sri Lanka, comparing it with PickMe’s payment of 18 percent VAT on invoice value. He asked whether Uber would be taxed on the full service value or only on the locally collected transport fee portion, and sought clarification on whether the Government would act against what he described as tax avoidance through structuring.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Government is examining how VAT applies to digital platform services such as PickMe and Uber, noting that platforms argue tax should apply only to their local value addition. He said the Inland Revenue Department’s position is that VAT should capture the full taxable value added to the supply, and discussions are underway with platforms to ensure fair treatment and address gaps where parts of the supply chain are not legally connected in Sri Lanka.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned how VAT would apply to foreign digital and booking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Agoda.com and Booking.com when Sri Lankan companies already pay VAT locally. He warned of potential double taxation or inconsistent treatment where value is added abroad or services are hosted through jurisdictions such as Singapore, and asked for clarification to help address the issue.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB
AI summary The Minister stated that the Inland Revenue Department and the Ministry of Finance are consulting relevant stakeholders on the matters raised. He said the discussions aim to ensure that implementation mechanisms are fair.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary The Leader of the Opposition objected to the planned 18 percent VAT on digital services from 10 October, citing the Gazette’s coverage of services such as cloud computing, e-commerce, digital marketing, software, cybersecurity, streaming and social media platforms. He argued that the measure, which he described as an IMF condition, would affect youth, rural and middle-income livelihoods, and called for its immediate withdrawal. He also raised the case of the injured elephant “Bhatia” in Nikaweratiya and urged the Government to develop a structured short-, medium- and long-term wildlife emergency response programme, with international assistance where needed, rather than relying on ad hoc interventions.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Dr. Harsha de Silva questioned the Government’s claim that e-commerce clearance issues had been resolved, asking whether parcels were now being assessed by HS-code duties or another method. He called for a fit-for-purpose low-value B2C import regime, including pre-declaration, clearer de minimis or flat-tax rules, practical TIN requirements, platform-based collection options, and improved Customs/ASYHUB capacity. He also urged a practical transition for vehicles imported under third-country letters of credit, arguing that shipments already arrived or afloat should not be suddenly re-exported after years of inconsistent enforcement, and that rules on used vehicles and hub imports should be clarified prospectively.
- The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/04 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act was issued to address a salt shortage and sharp retail price increases by permitting imports of 20,000 metric tonnes. He stated that imports were limited to consignments shipped by 10 June, distributed transparently through National Salt Ltd. to producers, industries and wholesalers, and helped reduce prices from about Rs. 300–350 per kilo to around Rs. 180–210, while generating tax revenue and a modest profit for the company. He defended the policy as necessary state intervention in an essential commodity affected by weather-dependent production, rejected allegations of ministerial profiteering, and tabled the imported salt distribution list for the Hansard.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a point of order to thank the Minister for clarifications and action taken regarding salt-related matters. He specifically acknowledged name standardization and the provision of facilities.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK
AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the temporary exemption of edible salt imports from licensing requirements to address shortages, while attributing the crisis to inadequate planning, climate-related disruptions and lack of contingency measures. He urged a national salt production and storage strategy, investment in harvesting infrastructure, climate-adaptive methods, stronger quality control, price oversight and support for local producers. He also called for transparent, regularly reviewed import-export regulations that balance consumer needs, domestic industry protection, SME stability and Sri Lanka’s broader shift toward industry-led exports.
- The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama supported the regulations permitting salt imports without licences, arguing that the measure was necessary due to weather-related production shortfalls in 2024 and early 2025. He said Sri Lanka is normally self-sufficient in salt, with production exceeding national demand, but rain had reduced evaporation at major salterns and enabled traders to exploit shortages. He noted salt demand is steady for both households and industry, and framed the Government’s response as addressing an artificial shortage.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper allocated most of his speaking time to Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth and briefly addressed the Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act. He argued that salt should not be imported, citing Gandhi’s criticism of salt taxation, and proposed exempting salt from import licensing while setting a maximum import ceiling to encourage domestic production.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth used his maiden speech to thank party leaders and constituents and to state his intention to represent the rights of all communities, particularly in Pottuvil. He highlighted long-standing local issues including irrigation shortages, incomplete implementation of the Heda Oya Project, lack of land ownership documents affecting tourism livelihoods, and the division of the area into separate ethnic education zones, requesting a unified education zone. He also called for improved bus depot facilities, completion of staffing and services at the Pottuvil Base Hospital, appointment of a Land Officer, release of lands occupied during the war, and upgrading the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha to an Urban Council.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake criticized the need to debate salt import licences in an island nation and argued that the country has become dependent on imports for basic goods. He raised allegations regarding the National Lotteries Board Chairman’s conduct and official housing, called for recovery of stamp duties on undervalued land transfers, and demanded action on public security, including the arrest of Ishara Sewwandi and measures against alleged overseas-linked crime networks. He also urged diplomatic action to reduce a potential 44 per cent US tariff on apparel exports, warned of job losses, and said investigations by CIABOC and the CID were creating fear among officials and paralysing public administration.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha stated that the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act formalized a time-limited salt import decision made to address a weather-related production shortfall, not a new decision to import salt. She said government intervention stabilized supply and prices through limited imports, distribution, raids and standards checks, while rejecting Opposition claims of mismanagement and panic. She also addressed allegations regarding a Lotteries Board official residence and said the Salt Corporation, now under the Industries and SME Development Ministry, would be modernized to increase production, improve quality and potentially export surplus salt.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s decision to import salt after 16 years, arguing that poor planning and mismanagement allowed domestic production to fall and prices to rise sharply despite existing State and private saltern capacity. He questioned the handling of container releases, Presidential pardons, and alleged passport fraud, accusing the Government of shifting blame to officials. He also opposed the 18% VAT on digital services from 1 October, saying it would affect youth earning online, and urged the Government to regularize rather than remove small tourism-related operators at Galle Face and Weligama while protecting domestic entrepreneurs and livelihoods.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna
AI summary Raised concern that police in Omanthai, Vavuniya, are reportedly demarcating and encroaching on private lands despite a District Coordinating Committee decision. Requested the Minister in charge of Police to take note of the matter.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB
AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook said export products from the Kandy District, including tea, pepper and coffee, have strong potential but have suffered in the past from quality deterioration and adulteration. He stated that the Government is prioritizing exports, imports and tourism, noting discussions with the Australian High Commission on the potential for Sri Lankan coffee exports. He also addressed vehicle import issues linked to e-commerce, letters of credit, shipment dates and regulatory hurdles in Dubai, Singapore and Japan, saying around 300 vehicles had been cleared and another 300 remained at port. He said a committee had been appointed to resolve the matter quickly, including questions over demurrage and vehicles affected by earlier tax and duty changes.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan argued that Sri Lanka must address its trade and budget deficits through better planning and management, noting high import expenditure, declining tea exports, risks to apparel exports from possible US tariffs, and the need for prudent control of vehicle and food imports. He called for support to local production, including agriculture, fisheries and salt, while raising concerns about the cost of living, the unmet Rs. 1,700 wage pledge for plantation workers, and the impact of 18% VAT on digital services. He also urged proper investigation and facilities for excavations at the Chemmani mass graves and requested that the Central Provincial Education Department avoid replacing the Tamil Zonal Director in the majority-Tamil Hatton Education Zone in a way that could heighten ethnic tensions.
- The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister said the salt shortfall was a temporary result of climate-related disruptions and outdated domestic production methods, not a failure of the current Government, and noted that import restrictions were eased to address supply. He argued that the NPP Government had begun modernizing salterns, ensuring distribution through state channels, and stabilizing the economy after past mismanagement. He also highlighted Clean Sri Lanka initiatives in the estate sector, including rehabilitation of line rooms in Ratnapura with Rs. 112.5 million from sponsors, while reaffirming commitments to land rights, housing, inter-ethnic unity, and accountability for wrongdoing.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera accused the Government of failing to uphold the principles of the Right to Information Act, which he said had been supported by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake when in Opposition. He cited the refusal to provide activist Anuruddha Bandara with details of Presidential Media Division staff and the lack of response to his own parliamentary questions on India-Sri Lanka agreements as examples of withheld public information. He questioned whether the Government had changed its stance on transparency and argued that its failure to disclose basic information undermined citizens’ right to know.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna JJB
AI summary Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna moved that Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi assumed the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB
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.
- Hon. Ranna Gamaga
AI summary Hon. Ranna Gamaga said heavy rainfall in Hambantota had disrupted the Bundala salt pans, reducing production and requiring planned salt imports, which he argued prevented a wider shortage and helped bring prices back down. He stated that the Government had correctly implemented the relevant regulations and was also working to restart the Elephant Pass Salt Factory as part of a broader production-economy strategy. He further highlighted Government efforts in tourism and fisheries, including district-level Fisheries Coordinating Committees and coordination with local authorities to address practical sectoral problems.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act related to salt imports, arguing that the Government is prioritizing imports over domestic production and failing to support exporters or local industries despite its stated “production economy” policy. He questioned the absence of concrete plans for fisheries, salt production, and related industries, and asked what action would be taken regarding the alleged improper release of “red-labelled” containers during port congestion. He also criticized reported plans for new casino operations and tax concessions, saying they contradicted earlier government positions, and urged relief from taxes, VAT, and rising living costs.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila supported the salt import regulations as a temporary response to reduced local production caused by climatic conditions, stating that the Government had stabilized the shortage and would act legally while considering producers and traders. He argued that wider food import issues, including potatoes, onions, pulses and chilies, were inherited from past economic and agricultural mismanagement and said the Government aims to reduce such imports within two to three years. He cited programmes to expand domestic production, including maize cultivation in Monaragala, coconut planting in Jaffna and minor export crop development, and maintained that the Government is pursuing an integrated plan to strengthen production and curb corruption.
- The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB
AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana criticized the handling of salt imports, arguing that delayed action and later permission for unlimited imports by selected companies led to excess stocks and large trader profits while retail prices remained high. He also opposed rice imports during the harvest season, saying they undermine farmers’ ability to sell paddy. He alleged unfair political conduct in local authority formations in Kalutara and questioned the Government’s alliances with controversial political figures, urging it not to abuse its parliamentary mandate.
- The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath supported approval of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to permit salt imports, citing a decline in domestic production caused by unusually heavy rainfall and changed climatic conditions in Hambantota, which normally supplies about 60 per cent of national salt output. He stated that Sri Lanka’s annual requirement is about 180,000 metric tons and that imports are needed until the expected July–September harvest, estimated at about 50,000 metric tons subject to weather, is processed and ready for market. He defended debating the matter in Parliament as part of democratic decision-making and accused previous administrations of mismanagement and politicization in the salt sector, while saying the Government would consider constructive proposals.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella criticized the Government’s authorization, under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act regulations, to import bulk salt without licences or quantitative limits from 19 May 2025. She argued that this contradicted the NPP’s stated policy of building a production economy, citing increased imports of rice, coconut products, milk powder and salt despite earlier opposition to such imports. She questioned why Sri Lanka, as an island nation, continued to face a prolonged salt shortage and asked why the Consumer Affairs Authority had not acted against high retail prices, noting a large gap between estimated import-related costs and market prices.
- The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan defended the Government’s regulations permitting salt imports, arguing that reduced production was caused by weather conditions and disrupted coastal salt pans, including in Puttalam, affecting fisheries and dried fish producers. He said Ministers acted promptly to protect affected industries and that imports were necessary but are now being limited. He rejected Opposition criticism over salt, rice and coconut imports, stating that the Government is making need-based decisions while pursuing broader plans to strengthen exports and increase domestic production.
- The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA
AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised concerns over alleged land appropriation in the North, citing forest clearance under the Mahaweli scheme in Vavuniya, police fencing near Omanthai, military-held civilian lands, and secret land surveys that had prompted public protests. He argued that such actions, even when described as development, undermine public trust and threaten community existence, and urged the Government to act on the President’s pledge to release civilian lands held by the military. He also noted local opposition in Mannar to wind power projects and sand mining where he said drilling and soil removal occurred without informing residents. He cautioned against anti-India rhetoric in relation to India–Sri Lanka security MoUs and called for balanced foreign relations.
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran addressed illegal forest clearing at Nedunkeni/Vedi-vaiththakal in the Mahaweli “L” Zone, stating that about 40 acres had been cleared without permission from the Forest Department or any state agency. He said he had inspected the site with local representatives, the public, and police, submitted a field report to the relevant Ministers, and that “A” reports had been filed in court against suspects. He indicated investigations and legal action were underway, while declining to name a suspect because the matter was before court.
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Chathura Galappaththi criticized the Government’s handling of successive shortages in rice, coconut and salt, arguing that import decisions have been reactive and lacked foresight. Citing RTI-obtained data, he said imported salt cost about Rs. 75 per kilogram when released to private distributors, yet retailed at Rs. 200–400, and questioned why the Government and Consumer Affairs Authority had not imposed price controls or acted against excessive profiteering. He also rejected claims linking the Samagi Jana Balawegaya to privatization of Lanka Salt Ltd., and said production at Hambantota had nearly doubled after 2015 due to expansion of salt pan areas, urging swift action to address the current shortage.
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Government’s use of import and export regulations, including salt imports, as a short-term price-stabilization measure while domestic production capacity is expanded through land, technology, and state intervention. He argued that the Government remains within the IMF-backed stabilization framework and cited improved macroeconomic indicators, while outlining policy work on cross-border e-commerce, VAT on foreign digital services, and environmental law reform. He also rejected allegations regarding high-cost “plug base” procurement, stating it related to industrial equipment for digital ID infrastructure procured under specified technical standards.
- The Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB
AI summary Nandana Pathmakumara used a metaphor comparing unhealthy foods to the Opposition’s political conduct, saying excess “sugar” while in Government had led to its current position in Opposition. He argued that the Opposition was now similarly overindulging in “salt,” implying that its present behaviour would also have negative consequences.
Healthcare Full speech → - Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara JJB
AI summary Hon. Nandana Pathmakumara rejected Opposition allegations about high salt prices, arguing that recent increases were mainly due to severe weather affecting solar salt production and that retail prices were lower than claimed. He said past attempts to reform Lanka Salt Ltd. and expand production had been obstructed under the previous government, and accused the Opposition of using issues such as salt, rice, coconuts and container releases for political purposes after local authority setbacks. He proposed, sarcastically, that the Minister consider a concessional salt ration for Opposition members, while stating that the Government was advancing local development, reducing corruption in imports, and strengthening village-level administration.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara rejected claims about Opposition absenteeism, noting that many MPs from both sides were attending committee meetings, and then focused on economic pressures on SMEs, arguing that parate enforcement and high interest rates had contributed to business closures, asset seizures, and job losses. He urged loan restructuring that prioritizes repayment of principal, defers interest, and allocates most repayments toward principal to prevent further SME collapse. He questioned recent fiscal and pricing measures, including taxes, fuel and electricity price increases, possible reliance on spot fuel tenders, and IMF-related property tax plans, while alleging irregularities in CPC operations and calling for scrutiny of the SAP system. He also asked the Government to investigate alleged profiteering and governance issues at Mantai Salt Ltd., stating that salt prices had risen sharply despite lower bulk costs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB
AI summary The Minister corrected claims about Raigam Group representation, stating its directors are on the board of Puttalam Salt Ltd. and not Mantai Salt Ltd. He said the Government is working to improve agricultural production and import data, uses protective duties on pulses such as mung and cowpea to balance imports with farmer protection, and has extended parate moratorium measures while encouraging loan rescheduling, particularly through state banks. On salt, he explained that import restrictions were lifted due to climate-related production shortfalls, outlined current harvest and import figures, and said late shipments outside the permitted window would be re-exported or taken for state distribution through relevant agencies.
- 16 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Employment for Persons with Disabilities 14 speeches
- 17 Procedural Procedural Notice 1 speeches