Sitting of Thursday, 27 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23013 ·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 Announcements 8 speeches
- 2 Oral question Oral Question: Permanent Three-Judge High Court for Anti-Corruption (Q.2/2024 (2)) 3 speeches
- 3 Procedural Procedural: Member's Comment 2 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Total Foreign and Domestic Debt 2020-2024 (Q.315/2024 (2)) with Points of Order 20 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Total Foreign and Domestic Debt with Supplementaries (Q.315/2024 (2)) 18 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Digital Identity Card Introduction (Q.552/2025) 12 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: BYD Vehicles and Second Round Proceedings 4 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Question No. 1-207/2024-(1) - Second Round 2 speeches
- 9 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Question and Procedural Matters 21 speeches
- 10 Papers Ministerial Statement: Heavy Rainfall, Floods and Landslides 1 speeches
- 11 Debate Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) 125 speeches
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction across the relevant expenditure heads and criticized the Government’s agriculture policy, arguing that farmers face falling incomes, reduced cultivation, delayed and inadequate fertilizer support, and rising input costs. He demanded increased and broader fertilizer subsidies for paddy and other crops, support for maize and seed costs, and improved agricultural modernization through better seed, soil testing and inputs. He also questioned import and duty decisions on maize, big onions and potatoes, alleging poor coordination that depressed local farm-gate prices while increasing food import expenditure.
- The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary From the Opposition’s allotted time, Gayantha Karunathilleka permits another Member to speak for an additional two minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara warned that major disaster cycles tend to recur every seven to eight years and urged the Government to ensure preparedness. He also called on the Government to fulfil its promises to support farmers.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary Minister K.D. Lal Kantha requested the Opposition to avoid calling a Division on the Ministry’s Heads of Expenditure, citing the ongoing disaster situation affecting several districts and provinces. He argued that summoning Members for a vote would hinder their ability to attend to urgent relief and intervention work, and asked that the Opposition’s protest be recorded while allowing the Heads to pass without division.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam informed the House that a Division would not be called on the matter under consideration.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha said the debate on the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation should reflect the Ministry’s full mandate, not only issues such as fertilizer shortages and crop prices. He listed the departments, boards, companies, research bodies, land and survey institutions, livestock entities, irrigation projects and related authorities under the Ministry, highlighting areas such as export agriculture, cinnamon development, agrarian insurance, post-harvest management and major irrigation schemes. He urged Members on both sides to consider this broad institutional and policy scope when discussing the Ministry’s allocations.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem briefly interjected to ask whether the ongoing matter or discussion would be concluded.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha said his Ministry has a broad mandate covering about 20 institutions and 10 departments, and urged both Government and Opposition to discuss the full scope of its budget allocations rather than only a few issues. Addressing the fertilizer subsidy, he said effective implementation depends on farmer organizations and farmers attending meetings convened by Agricultural Research and Production Assistants and providing accurate, timely details such as cultivated acreage and bank account numbers. He noted that incorrect or delayed information disrupts payments, cited difficulties in Monaragala where officials had to collect details door to door, and acknowledged around 4,000 vacancies among these officers, which the Ministry is working to address.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary K.D. Lal Kantha stated that although complaints regarding agricultural matters are reaching ministers, district officials and the Agrarian Development Department, the issue is not a lack of Treasury funding but implementation at ground level. He urged farmers to carry out their responsibilities properly and on time.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam welcomed allocations for agriculture-related services, including market access, but requested cold storage facilities at the Vavuniya Economic Center and phased rehabilitation of minor irrigation tanks in Vavuniya, where many tanks are damaged or abandoned. He urged transparent consultations on the Kivul Oya project, citing concerns that it could submerge lands and village tanks of longstanding Tamil residents and lead to conflict. He also called for expanded support to dairy farmers nationwide, including veterinary staff, transport, essential medicines, and enforcement of indicative prices for milk and meat.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, the Chief Opposition Whip, and allocated him 20 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka criticised the Government’s agriculture policy, arguing that farmers continue to face low prices, delayed fertilizer, weak procurement, post-harvest losses, wild animal damage and ineffective insurance, while consumers are burdened by rice imports and duties despite earlier pledges to avoid imports. He cited limited paddy purchasing against stated targets in the 2024–2025 Maha and 2025 Yala seasons and called for timely fertilizer distribution and stronger support to ensure fair prices for farmers. He also questioned the value of the elephant census, saying its report remains unpublished and its impact on crop damage mitigation is unclear, and contrasted current policy with earlier land settlement and Mahaweli development initiatives.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary K.D. Lal Kantha noted that a motion on the matter had been presented the previous day at the time the House was adjourned.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka briefly states that he was not present at the time in question, appearing to respond to a query or reference made during the debate. No substantive policy position, proposal, or demand is made.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka urged the Government to expedite pending land-sector reforms, including amendments to the Land Acquisition Act and Registration of Title Act, completion of the Land Use Policy Planning Act, and formulation of a National Land Policy through the National Land Commission envisaged under the 13th Amendment. He also raised concerns over stalled development projects, noting partial funding for some expressway sections but unresolved issues in other road and rail projects. He asked the Government to decide whether to proceed with these projects, and either pay compensation promptly to affected landowners or return acquired lands.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Minister Samantha Viddyarathna to address the House. No substantive remarks, proposals, or policy positions were presented in this intervention.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB
AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna outlined the Government’s response to severe weather caused by a low-pressure system, noting widespread flooding, reservoir spillovers, landslide risks, and 26 reported deaths in Badulla. He said the President had directed immediate action involving the Tri-Forces, Police and officials, with district and divisional coordination mechanisms to gather information and deliver relief, including cooked meals, dry rations and compensation for crop damage. He also noted the postponement of the Advanced Level examination by two days and said party leaders would consider allowing Members time away from the Budget debate to attend to affected constituents. He urged residents in landslide-prone and downstream areas to evacuate and follow official instructions.
- The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka outlined the 2026 allocations for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, including funding for paddy buffer stocks, fertilizer subsidies, farmers’ pensions, crop insurance, irrigation rehabilitation, milk production, breeding farms, agri-credit and paddy drying machinery. He reported severe climate-related damage in Kandy District, particularly Ududumbara, where people were displaced, houses collapsed and access was blocked, and linked the wider disaster situation to pressures on agriculture. He also highlighted human-elephant conflict, citing annual human and elephant deaths and flood-related incidents, and noted allocations and vehicle procurement to strengthen mitigation and Wildlife Department capacity. He called on the Opposition to support relief efforts for affected communities.
- The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF
AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne urged the Government to table a comprehensive national plan for agriculture and irrigation, approved by Parliament, to ensure continuity across ministries and administrations, including import-substitution targets and future Mahaweli-related water transfer projects. He cited gains in rice production since 1950 but argued that further progress requires a structured plan, stronger action on post-harvest losses, operationalizing the Dambulla Cold Storage facility, and practical measures to address wild animal damage, including clarity on the elephant and wild animal census. He also called for accelerated agreements and funding for the North Central and North Western Canal projects and a parallel programme to rehabilitate the approximately 1,200 minor tanks they are intended to feed.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised urgent disaster-related concerns, including flooding risks at the Murapola Ela irrigation channel near Ududeniya, and called for investigation of nearby quarry blasting and an assessment by the National Building Research Organization. He urged the Government to resolve long-standing land title issues in Kalugamuwa, LRC lands in Puttalam, and other areas through land kachcheris and agency intervention, and to examine complaints about the dismantling or diversion of pipelines under the Puttalam-South Water Supply Project. He proposed establishing a National River Basin Conservation Authority to coordinate floodplain, irrigation and potable water planning for major rivers, while welcoming the decision not to immediately abolish the Mahaweli Authority. He also sought clarity and action on major water and irrigation projects including Lower Malwathu Oya, Kumbukkan Oya, Heda Oya, Yan Oya and Mundeni Aru, particularly for the Eastern Province.
- The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla described disaster impacts in Badulla, including 29 deaths and damage to irrigation works and paddy fields, and said the District Disaster Management Committee would meet to coordinate relief measures. He defended the Government’s development record in the district, citing financial progress of 74.79 percent and physical progress of 81.67 percent despite limited technical staff, and highlighted community-implemented farmer organization projects in Mahiyanganaya. He said the Government’s 2026 objective is to shift farmers toward export-oriented production, including development of a 1,050-acre abandoned tract in Mahiyanganaya’s “B” zone as a modern agro-park.
- Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB
AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla outlined planned investments and development projects in Mahiyanganaya and surrounding areas, including fruit cultivation and processing, allocation of land to landless married farmers, investor-led use of former turmeric lands, and new industries on abandoned sites. He said the Government plans to build the Pullgasyaya tank in 2026 to improve irrigation for downstream tanks and enable two-season cultivation, and to construct a permanent market for 1,000 vendors. He defended low-cost housing through voluntary labour and argued that the National People’s Power’s development approach focuses on a production economy, value addition to agricultural produce, exports, and rural employment.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan to speak and informed him that he had 10 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan urged the Government to address farmers’ grievances broadly, warning that past governments suffered politically when agricultural issues were mishandled. He said compensation and insurance should not be limited to paddy farmers, and called for support for vegetable, potato, sugarcane, maize, tuber and onion farmers affected by recent floods in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and surrounding areas. He requested subsidized seed potatoes, fertilizer support, fairer price-setting mechanisms for producers, and expanded veterinary services, vehicles and hardship allowances to strengthen dairy and livestock production in Nuwara Eliya.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson suspended the Committee Stage proceedings for the lunch interval until 1.00 p.m. Upon resumption, the Chair recognized Hon. Namal Rajapaksa and allocated him 10 minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa expressed condolences to those affected by adverse weather and said the Opposition would support disaster-response efforts, while urging the Government to prioritize evacuations and lifesaving measures in high-risk flood and landslide areas. He criticized agricultural and food import policies, arguing that farmers had been unfairly blamed for overproduction while imports of rice, vegetables and fruit had harmed producer prices without reducing consumer prices. He called on the Government to compensate and support flood-affected farmers, strengthen local agriculture rather than rely on imports, and consider adjourning Parliament so MPs and local committee chairs could assist disaster response in affected villages.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson recognized Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna to speak and allocated him 12 minutes. The statement is a procedural intervention introducing the next speaker in the debate.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna expressed condolences over deaths and damage caused by adverse weather, and said the President had discussed the emergency in Parliament with government and opposition members. He rejected Opposition claims about farmer abandonment, shortages, lack of guaranteed prices and delayed subsidies, citing the “Back to the Fields” programme, paddy purchasing prices, green gram production, and increased allocations for young farmers. He said the Government had raised the fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 25,000 per hectare, was providing support before cultivation, and had allocated Rs. 36,000 million for fertilizer subsidies and Rs. 221,300 million for the Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Ministry in 2026. He also referred to support for non-paddy field crops and Rs. 3,000 million for restarting MILCO’s Badalgama factory, noting that a large share of MILCO’s bank debt had been repaid.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, to address the House and informed him that he had 13 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa expressed condolences for deaths and damage caused by severe weather and thanked officials and security forces involved in relief work, while urging the Government to immediately declare a state of disaster under Section 11(1) of the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005. He called for swift compensation and updated relief circulars for affected households, farmers and fishers, and questioned delays in past disaster relief, including in Ampara. He also criticized the Government’s agricultural policy, alleging failures in fertilizer support, input affordability, fair prices, irrigation rehabilitation and human-elephant conflict management, and demanded a national programme to revive agriculture and strengthen food security. He further urged reforms to the Disaster Management Act and framework, including improvements to early warnings, inter-agency coordination, risk mapping, community preparedness and infrastructure.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB
AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar noted that the President had met Members of Parliament that morning in Committee Room No. 1 regarding the national disaster. He requested the Leader of the Opposition not to politicize the disaster situation.
Security & Defence Full speech → - The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa rose on a point of order. No substantive issue, proposal, or argument was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa referred to Section 11(1) of the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, stating that the declaration of a disaster situation enables special relief measures. He said he had proposed this earlier in the day and reiterated the call because it had not yet been implemented.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage raised district-level agriculture, livestock, land and irrigation issues in Ratnapura, including delays in fertilizer subsidies for paddy farmers and lack of compensation for pepper farmers after crop failure. He urged strengthening the Cinnamon Development Department, providing land for dairy sheds and fodder cultivation through coordination with the LRC, Mahaweli and Plantation authorities, and addressing restrictions faced by estate-adjacent dairy farmers. He also called for early passage of amendments to the Irrigation Ordinance, feasibility work on a proposed dry dam for Ratnapura flood control, support for the Ellewewa reservoir, and an interim mechanism to prevent children on LRC lands losing school admission marks due to unresolved title deed issues.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB
AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda said the Government was responding to the ongoing disaster through discussions involving the President, party leaders and MPs, with teams sent to affected districts and further decisions due at a Party Leaders’ meeting. He argued that the Government’s agriculture policy was being led by representatives with farming backgrounds and said the Budget allocates funds to address long-standing issues in agriculture, land administration, tank maintenance, reserve protection and Survey Department staffing, including in Colombo District. He criticized past governments for fragmenting the agriculture portfolio, wasting public funds, distributing state lands to political associates, and cited a Homagama land case involving former ministers as an example of agricultural land being diverted from cultivation. He stated that the Government is gathering proposals and engaging farmers to rectify these problems and strengthen agricultural production.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson expressed condolences to flood-affected families and urged swift government relief before criticising agriculture budget allocations as not translating into effective delivery. He questioned the low uptake of youth agriculture loans, delays and adequacy of the paddy fertilizer subsidy, and the failure of state institutions to purchase wet paddy at the announced price, urging timely inputs, drying facilities, and clear implementation instructions. He proposed abolishing the wet paddy price for the Maha season, reducing VAT on agricultural inputs, ensuring quality fertilizer, and increasing the fair price for paddy if costs are not reduced. He also highlighted losses faced by big onion farmers in Polonnaruwa and called for a storage and market mechanism to address import dependence and low farmgate prices.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson highlighted 2025 Budget allocations for the irrigation sector, noting Rs. 78,000 million overall and specific funding for cascade systems including Gal Oya, Rajanganaya, Huruluwewa and Minneriya. He said Rs. 500 million had been allocated to Minneriya tank, with 85 per cent of the project completed, and referred to the importance of Parakrama Samudraya to Polonnaruwa.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about the D-Channel of Parakrama Samudraya, noting that it narrows and falls into disrepair despite major allocations for the project, including Rs. 2,000 million for 2025 and Rs. 6,500 million for the current year. He urged the Minister to allocate funds to remaining tanks, improve water conservation, and ensure water is released to farmers. He also appealed for Ministers to be more approachable to the public and expressed hope that the Ministry’s 2025 allocations would produce visible results.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that agriculture remains in difficulty despite government commitments on paddy procurement and crop support, citing farmer protests, poor prices, market problems, uncultivated land, and farmers leaving the sector. He called for a long-term agricultural plan covering paddy, vegetables, big onions and potatoes, and requested immediate action on wild animal damage, including disclosure of the results and follow-up from the animal census and “Cultivation Drive” programme. He urged the Minister to stop recovery of the increased Rs. 1,000 travel allowance paid to Agricultural Research and Production Assistants and to continue it in line with the 2024 Cabinet decision. He also requested improved and digitized Land Registry services and clarity, compensation or alternative land for families affected by the long-delayed Yatiyantota reservoir proposal.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan supported the 2026 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Resources, Lands and Irrigation, highlighting planned irrigation and water supply projects in the Vanni, including the Paliyaaru reservoir, Lower Malwathu Oya, and Kivul Oya projects. He said these projects would address drinking water scarcity, irrigation needs, flooding, pasture shortages, and kidney disease-related groundwater issues, while also noting tank rehabilitation and the release of lands previously brought under the Forest Department or Mahaweli system back to farmers and livestock rearers. He outlined livestock and dairy measures, including Milco’s reported profit, profit-sharing with dairy farmers, district-level dairy development support, funding for NLDB farms, and the phased release of pasture land at Mayilathamadu–Mathavani.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva expressed condolences over flood-related deaths and urged prompt relief for displaced people. He questioned the procurement of 15 million pre-printed polycarbonate National Identity Cards, arguing that digitization through a Super App or DigiLocker could reduce the need for costly cards and that cheaper PVC cards could be used during transition; he tabled tender documents and asked the Government to clarify whether the quantity had in fact been reduced. He also urged the Government to allow small and medium rice millers, not only large-capacity mills, to mill part of the Paddy Marketing Board’s 49,500 MT paddy stock, citing rice price concerns and the need to support competition.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir urged priority action on flood-related infrastructure in the East, particularly the Mavadippalli and Kittangip bridges, citing repeated tragedies and recent loss of life during heavy rains. He called for the release of lands gazetted as forests after the conflict period so they can be used for cultivation, and proposed using vacant state lands for livestock development to reduce milk powder imports and create employment. He also requested resolution of the Vattamadu pasture dispute, faster completion of land deed distribution under the “Himikama” programme, better use of idle land and rainwater, and public safety awareness in light of disaster risks including tsunami alerts.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB
AI summary During the debate on the 2026 Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Deepthi Wasalage raised unresolved land-title and housing issues in the Rattota electorate, including uncertainty over land ownership, unremitted housing loan deductions by estates, and an abandoned housing project in Matale with beneficiaries living in incomplete houses. She highlighted Rattota’s vulnerability to natural disasters and argued that livelihood support must be linked to climate resilience and ecosystem protection. She outlined the “Dumbara Green Empowerment Project” funded through the Green Climate Fund and Government allocations, noting activities in Matale such as invasive-plant-based paper production, home-garden support, and assistance to tea smallholders and farmers in sloping areas.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan expressed condolences for recent weather-related losses and urged the Government to strengthen measures to reduce disaster impacts. He welcomed the increased allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Resources, Lands and Irrigation, but called for action on land distribution in the North and East, including stopping unnecessary forest gazetting and resolving disputes over tanks, pastures and farmlands. He asked that paddy prices be fixed by January 1 and procurement carried out through the Paddy Marketing Board, while also addressing staff shortages, transport allowances for agricultural instructors, and vacancies in district agricultural director posts. He further requested the resumption of livelihood programmes such as black gram, green gram and goat distribution, and the urgent issuance of pending land deeds.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB
AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena raised urgent flood-related concerns in Moneragala, including submerged areas, trapped residents, blocked roads and the risk of collapse of the Kumbukkan Oya and Nakkala anicuts, and requested immediate intervention by the Irrigation Department and verification of relief arrangements. He urged expedited compensation for affected farmers and residents, noting shortages of Agricultural Research and Production Assistants and asking that reports be accepted from officers covering vacant divisions. He also called for faster issuance or return of land permits and deeds, including documents taken under the “Urumaya” programme, and proposed land kachcheris to reduce disputes. On livestock, he requested a pasture-land allocation programme using suitable reservoir reservations and open shrub lands, and asked that budget allocations for milk production be used to support traditional dairy farmers.
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne expressed condolences over the ongoing disaster and said the Agriculture Ministry had taken account of suggestions and criticisms raised during the Estimates debate. He argued that recent interventions in the paddy and rice sectors, including minimum prices, procurement and reopening stores, had stabilized farmer prices and consumer supply, while plans were in place to address issues in big onion, potato, finger millet and other crops. He rejected claims that farmers had left cultivation or harvests had fallen, citing increased production in mungbean, big onion and paddy, and urged farmers to continue cultivation with government safeguards. He also said the Government had prevented the sale of NLDB and Milco and was working to stabilize those institutions and settle farmer-related issues.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Asked the Deputy Minister whether a subsidy could be provided for imported seed potatoes on this occasion.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary Funds have been allocated for four crops, including potato, big onion, finger millet and chili. The Deputy Minister stated that further discussions will be held to determine how these allocations can best benefit farmers.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Rasamanickam marked Maaveerar Naal by acknowledging the Government’s current allowance of commemorations in the North and East, while urging that participants not later face arrests or harassment under laws such as the PTA. In the Committee Stage debate on Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, he argued that state-backed irrigation and Mahaweli-related schemes had contributed to demographic change and land alienation in the North and East, linking this to the origins of the conflict and the need for a political solution. He criticized the Mahaweli Authority’s role in land allocation, citing Batticaloa’s Mayilathamadu–Mathavani pasture issue and the need for at least 7,000 acres for livestock farmers, as well as concerns over settlement and projects in Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Kivul Oya.
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam criticized the Government’s preparedness for flood-related disasters, citing delays in reimbursing local relief efforts such as food distribution. He warned that farmers in Batticaloa District could face serious losses from flooding and said past crop insurance assessments were inconsistent and often based on blanket judgments rather than proper field inspections. He urged the Government to be prepared at least to provide fair compensation to farmers affected by floods.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Minister to prioritize irrigation management and rehabilitation in the East. He proposed improving water distribution from Senanayake Samudraya’s right bank to Rubus Kulam to enable cultivation on over 4,500 acres for two seasons, and requested attention to the Kandiyanaru and Panichenkeni tanks in Batticaloa, noting that studies on Kandiyanaru had already been submitted.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that a French Government-funded major irrigation project in Batticaloa had been halted due to economic reasons. He said government MPs had previously raised the matter but that its status remained unclear, and urged that attention be given to reviving or addressing the project.
Infrastructure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth expressed condolences for deaths caused by severe flooding and outlined damage to roads, bunds, anicuts and irrigation infrastructure in the Ampara District, urging immediate rehabilitation and support for affected farmers. He requested expedited review and release of lands in Pottuvil, Lagugal and related areas that had been gazetted as forest or scrub forest after wartime non-cultivation, including specific lands recommended by district committees and cultivated paddy lands at Palliadi Vattai. He also called for expansion of Radella tank, repairs to irrigation schemes and roads, additional staff and machinery for the Pottuvil Central Irrigation Office, consideration of converting some sugarcane lands in Irakkamam to paddy cultivation, and land arrangements to enable development of Pottuvil Base Hospital.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Called for land titles and basic facilities, including housing, electricity, drinking water, and transport, to be provided to affected residents. Also requested the establishment of a permanent drainage system in Kalmunai to enable quicker discharge of floodwater, while acknowledging local individuals involved in the issue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth noted that the Kalmunai Police Station is currently located on Municipal Council land, while alternative land is available at the Rest House premises. He proposed relocating the police station there so the Municipal Council land can be used for revenue-generating projects.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth concluded by acknowledging the Divisional Secretaries and officers of the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat Division for their dedicated service. He referred to his background as a former Management Service Officer and named several officials in appreciation of their work.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB
AI summary The Minister expressed sympathy to disaster-affected communities and outlined major 2026 irrigation allocations, including over Rs. 77,000 million overall and specific funding for the Lower Malwathu Oya, Mundeni Aru, Kivul Oya, and Maduru Oya projects. He argued that irrigation infrastructure must be paired with planned agriculture, noting problems of low farmer incomes, inadequate yields, weak adherence to sowing schedules, and continued dependence on imports for essential crops. He said the Government is seeking to improve paddy yields from about 80 to at least 100 bushels per acre through a technical package and timely cultivation, while coordinating agriculture, trade, and industry through an integrated pilot programme in Anuradhapura District to stabilize production and markets.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake rose on a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, invoking Standing Order 27(2), raised concern over a severe adverse weather situation expected to worsen in the coming days. He urged the President to declare a State of Emergency to enable the tri-forces and Police to support disaster management and ensure rapid delivery of relief and entitlements to affected people.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha expressed condolences over the ongoing emergency and questioned whether the Government was responding under an adequate emergency framework, particularly given widespread agricultural damage. He urged immediate support for affected farmers, including assistance to reprepare and resow paddy fields and replace fertilizer where needed. He criticized the Government’s handling of rice, crop damage by wildlife, agricultural imports during harvest periods, and the lack of progress on export agriculture and collective farm market initiatives. He also called for faster implementation or funding of key irrigation projects, including Lower Malwathu Oya, the North Western Canal, Lower Uma Oya spurs, and Hada Oya, while emphasizing better coordination between Trade and Agriculture to protect farmers.
- The Hon. 1.13. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply
AI summary The Deputy Minister makes a brief procedural query, asking whether someone had gone and returned. No policy issue, proposal, or substantive debate point is raised.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB
AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha reported severe flooding in the Kurunegala area, including inundation from Wariyapola and overflow of the Deduru Oya. He urged the Government to treat the situation as a disaster and act quickly to restore damaged fields, reissue seed and fertilizer where necessary, and provide urgent assistance to highland vegetable farmers, citing losses of up to 90 percent in some areas.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. 1.13. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply
AI summary The Deputy Minister addressed the Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Votes, first noting the Government’s disaster response to adverse weather and saying the President had discussed emergency measures before deciding to mobilize the armed forces, Police, disaster officials and District Secretaries rather than declare a State of Emergency. He rejected Opposition claims on agricultural spending and potato self-sufficiency, and argued that current guaranteed prices for big onions and paddy are fair relative to production costs, citing current and past cost and price data. He said the Government’s policy is to improve farmer incomes mainly by increasing yields, with a target of raising per-acre paddy yields by 2028, including expanded Keeri Samba cultivation to stabilize prices. He also stated that flood compensation had been paid within the season, that rice would be imported if necessary to prevent market manipulation, and that the Government aims to end rice imports by 2028.
- The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB
AI summary Condolences were expressed for those affected by recent disasters, and urgent relief was requested for flooded paddy lands, damaged canals, and bunds following earlier unrest among potato and onion farmers. Attention was drawn to Ambalantota residents in Liyanagastota and Punchi Heneyagama who face removal due to new Irrigation Department surveys beyond the earlier 66-foot reservoir contour, with a petition to be submitted seeking intervention. The speech also requested action on a disease affecting thousands of coconut trees in Matara and Hambantota, rehabilitation of Lunugamwehera canals, and additional pasture land near Lunugamwehera reservoir to support Hambantota dairy farmers and preserve the “Ruhuna milk” industry.
- The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama expressed condolences over weather-related losses and argued that flooding in Matara was worsened by an improperly located salinity barrier across the Nilwala Ganga, noting that the 2026 Budget provides compensation for affected farmers and funds remedial work. He criticized the previous chemical fertilizer ban for damaging agriculture and said the current Budget prioritizes restoring agricultural infrastructure and bringing fallow land back into cultivation. He stated that the Government is implementing a long-term expert-led agricultural plan focused on using all cultivable land, applying technology to reduce unit costs, and increasing farmer margins rather than raising prices.
- The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB
AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala argued that agriculture policy should prioritize soil conservation, soil biota, scientific interventions, and regenerative practices to improve yields while reducing environmental harm. He stated that since 2024 the Government has expanded farmer training and soil-focused measures, citing the 2025 Yala paddy harvest of about 2.2 million metric tonnes alongside reduced fertilizer use and a higher fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 per hectare. He presented Agriculture Department, Treasury, Central Bank, and MDF data showing declining fertilizer imports and wider adoption of improved fertilizers, soil amendments, and better varieties, and linked these trends to the 2026 Budget’s focus on sustainable productivity and ecosystem protection.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha discussed the Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Votes, noting large allocations for 2025 and 2026 and arguing that farmers still face unfair prices, import pressures at harvest time, and excessive middleman margins. He urged the Agriculture and Trade Ministers to improve market systems so farmers receive fair returns and consumers pay reasonable prices, and called for action on chemical treatment and wastage of fruits. He also proposed establishing a domestic pepper oil processing plant to increase export value and farmgate prices, and requested stronger measures on paddy storage, wildlife damage, compensation, and effective wildlife management.
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa addressed the ongoing flood situation linked to heavy rainfall, expressing condolences for deaths including three in Sainthamaruthu, and said the President had met Government and Opposition Members to discuss further parliamentary and relief measures. He reported rising water levels at Senanayake Samudraya in Ampara, noted prior concerns over the reservoir bund, and said the Irrigation Department and disaster authorities were taking action, with District Disaster Management Committees to meet nationwide from the next day. Responding to Opposition points, he said travel allowances for Agricultural Research and Production Assistants were being addressed, Rs. 352 million of the Rs. 500 million allocated for Young Agri-Entrepreneurs had already been disbursed, and reiterated the Government’s position that past development projects were associated with corruption.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB
AI summary Farmers’ difficulties in drying harvested paddy were highlighted, with the argument that reliance on large-scale buyers of wet paddy disadvantages them. A proposal was noted to provide modern drying equipment to farmers’ cooperatives and multipurpose societies, supported by an allocation of Rs. 500 million. The speech framed these measures as initial steps toward sustainable solutions under the Government’s agricultural policy.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed raised concerns about agricultural hardship in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu, including high input costs, poor access to guaranteed-price paddy purchasing, lack of compensation for flood-affected black gram farmers, and inadequate marketing facilities. He requested rehabilitation of specified tanks, action on about 180 abandoned minor tanks in Vavuniya, and attention to linking Iluppaikulam and Velappar Puliyankulam to expand cultivation and livelihoods. He also urged the Government to address longstanding land issues caused by forest and wildlife gazettes over former agricultural areas, including through land kachcheries and allocation of land to affected farmers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath said the Government was addressing the current cyclone and flood threat through district-level disaster preparedness, prior instructions, and allocated funds, while urging continued support for affected people. Responding to Opposition allegations, he rejected claims of ethnic bias or neglect of the North, stating that steps were being taken on land issues in Vavuniya and Mullaitivu and that Mahaweli waters would be taken to the North. He said the Ministry had been reorganized to better integrate land, irrigation, agriculture and livestock functions, with about Rs. 267 billion allocated in the 2026 Budget, including major allocations for irrigation, lands and agrarian development, to support a planned transition from subsistence agriculture to a production economy.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Aravinda Senarath outlined increased government allocations for irrigation, from Rs. 74,000 million in 2025 to Rs. 91,000 million in 2026, alongside Rs. 10,000 million for rehabilitating village tanks through the Department of Agrarian Services. Responding to Opposition claims that agriculture had collapsed, he cited current pepper and rubber latex prices and said 2026 plans aim to further raise farmer incomes. He also addressed Weligama disease in coconut palms, stating the Government will provide Rs. 10,000 for each infected tree removed to prevent wider crop damage.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara expressed condolences to those affected by severe weather and said assistance was being provided under the President’s leadership. In the agriculture debate, he questioned whether Government plans on market-oriented cultivation, fertilizer subsidies, paddy purchasing, dryers, and Keeri Samba procurement were being implemented effectively and fairly, particularly in Anuradhapura. He argued that recent high Yala yields were due to favourable rains rather than Government action, and urged a systematic programme to guide crop choices, strengthen local production, and reduce imports of crops that can be grown domestically.
Agriculture Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Members indicated assent, and the House proceeded to further consideration in Committee with the Hon. Presiding Member in the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary Minister K. D. Lal Kantha said the Government’s Food Security Committee is functioning effectively, noting that no Opposition member had cited shortages of staple foods or excessive prices during the debate. He emphasized that the Government’s priorities are ensuring food security and improving farmers’ incomes, while proceeding with measures to relocate unauthorised settlers from tank reservations, floodplains, forest reserves and elephant corridors by providing alternative land, grants and facilities. He acknowledged proposals from Members regarding land, irrigation and water losses, thanked parliamentary and ministry staff, and noted cross-party agreement to forgo a division so Members could return to districts affected by disasters.
- The Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary K. D. Lal Kantha, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, moved a Committee Stage amendment to the Appropriation Bill, 2026, relating to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. The amendment sought to replace the relevant figures on page 19 with allocations of Rs. 90.15 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 138.9 billion for capital expenditure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary The Committee agreed to insert increased allocations for recurrent expenditure of Rs. 90.15 billion and capital expenditure of Rs. 138.9 billion into the Schedule. It also approved Head 118, Programme 01 allocations of Rs. 4.294 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 277 million for capital expenditure, with Programme 02 allocations listed as Rs. 49.453 billion recurrent and Rs. 97.089 billion capital expenditure.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary K. D. Lal Kantha moved an amendment during the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, relating to Head 118, Programme 02. No further details or arguments were provided in the quoted speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Head 118 for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation by increasing Programme 02 capital expenditure to Rs. 102,389,000,000, incorporating provisions under Budget Proposals Nos. 21, 25, 27 and 34. The Committee also approved the relevant recurrent and capital allocations for Head 118 and for the Department of Agrarian Development, Department of Irrigation, and part of the Department of Agriculture as entries in the Schedule.
- The Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha formally moved an amendment during the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, relating to Head 292, Programme 02. No substantive explanation or policy argument is included in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Head 292, Programme 02, increasing the Department of Animal Production and Health capital allocation by Rs. 2,000,000,000 to Rs. 3,697,000,000, incorporating provisions under Budget Proposals Nos. 19 and 22. The amended capital expenditure was approved and ordered to stand part of the Schedule. Allocations for Head 327, Department of National Land Use Policy Planning, were also approved: Rs. 688,000,000 for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 68,000,000 for capital expenditure under Programme 02.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB
AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha moved a Committee Stage amendment to the Appropriation Bill under Head 337, Programme 02, transferring revised recurrent and capital provisions for the Department of Cinnamon Development to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation in line with Extraordinary Gazette No. 2458/65. He then moved that the Committee report progress and sought leave to sit again. He also moved for approval, under Section 14 of the Finance Act No. 38 of 1971, of the Paddy Marketing Board Annual Reports for 2017 and 2018 with Auditor General’s observations, both of which were agreed to, before moving the adjournment of Parliament.
- 12 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Three-Wheeler Industry Development 4 speeches