The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate notifications, orders and regulations under several laws. I must emphasize our Government has taken responsibility to sustain people’s lives, prioritizing food and other essentials. To implement an orderly regime on imports and exports, amendments to the Imports and Exports (Control) Act were required; these regulations reflect broader needs.

¶ 02 Food security must be safeguarded through the law and proper procedures. The Opposition often raised rice and coconut issues. We observed whether a substantive debate would arise; instead some tried to turn Parliament into a comedy stage, seeking media clips for the evening news.

¶ 03 Regarding rice shortages, we know who reduced tank capacities, leased tank bunds for hotels and manipulated water meant for fields—the same group now lecturing us. Did they protect people’s lives and enforce import/export controls? Under their watch, hazardous chemical waste from the UK was brought here and buried in Sevanagala and then in Beragama and Kataragama areas. We intervened to remove it. Their chairmen and MPs even admitted involvement. They also brought substandard fertilizer shipments, costing billions in compensation to China. Those very people now talk about paddy and rice.

¶ 04 When substandard fertilizer was imported and then rejected, farmers were left without fertilizer, leading to the rice issue. Coconut lands were fragmented for business with approvals and guarantees from the same people who now lament coconut shortages.

¶ 05 We have planned measures. The Hon. Member asked about administered prices. The Government bears responsibility regarding rice, paddy and other commodities, and will protect both farmer and consumer. On statistics, we agree accurate data is needed.

¶ 06 Due to the previous organic-only policy, chemical fertilizer imports were banned and organic production was pushed by vested interests. In Monaragala’s Kottiyagala, Athimale and Okkampitiya, those connected became stakeholders in organic projects; farmers were ordered to buy substandard organic fertilizer at Rs. 250 per kilogram and liquid fertilizer costing Rs. 250 to produce was sold at Rs. 750. These are the people lecturing us today.

¶ 07 We will correct this and ensure people can live well. We will guarantee food security. Thank you.