The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, on paddy prices and agriculture: farmers are among the most vulnerable and poorest. In 1994, agriculture contributed about 20 percent to GDP; today it is around 8 percent—farmers have become relatively poorer, with costs outstripping income. Fertilizer support funds are often not deposited to farmers’ bank accounts on time—sometimes after application windows pass; some have not received funds at all. Please ensure timely disbursement; this is the only direct support many receive.

¶ 02 New technology adoption has lagged; yields, even on irrigated lands, have fallen. On Monaragala: most farmers there traditionally cultivate chena rather than irrigated fields. Sri Lanka needs about 600,000 MT of onions annually; we produce only about 300,000 MT. Will we increase production or suppress consumption? Traditional chena lands in Monaragala are now barred to farmers. Minister Lal Kantha is also Lands Minister; please restore traditional access. These farmers grow onions, brinjals, and pumpkin; we spend around Rs. 40 billion annually importing onions—likely to rise. In areas like Kotiyagala, Ethimale, Mahakalugolla, Kahambana, Thenagallanda, Weheragala, and Buttala, people are now destitute. The President recently visited; instead of restoring their lands, 1,000 acres have been allocated to a solar power project. We are not asking for new forest lands, but for the traditional lands they have long cultivated. Now large herds of cattle have been brought into those areas, worsening damage. While milk production is important, it must not displace traditional farming. Please resolve this to also protect foreign exchange.