The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the Motion claims Government intervention in Yala purchasing is insufficient or unfair. We agree it is not yet ideal—because our target is higher fairness than what a weakened State apparatus could initially deliver. We inherited a diminished treasury and a run-down PMB. Still, PMB has purchased over 45,000 MT so far with only 146 of about 216 stores currently usable; staffing stands at 159 against an approved cadre of about 229, with officers covering multiple depots. Since 2019, there were no recruitments; PMB was dismantled, not strengthened.

¶ 02 To the claim that farmers have taken to the streets: let them do so if we fail, but we are solving issues step by step while stabilizing the economy. We have allocated Rs. 78,000 million to the irrigation sector for a renewed start, resumed canal and tank rehabilitations, and addressed broader farmer issues, not just paddy purchases.

¶ 03 Some in the Opposition, who governed for years, now demand dryers; they failed to provide even one dryer to a farmer organization or cooperative then. This year, within our means, we are planning to provide dryers via several channels, including through the Trade Ministry and with development funds.

¶ 04 On human–elephant conflict: under the President’s leadership, we have held meetings recognizing its severity and are implementing phased solutions through District Secretaries, political authorities and officials.

¶ 05 Reducing production costs is key; we are planning land-use rationalization, technology infusion, and labor-saving practices to raise margins. Guided by last year’s mandate, we will continue to bring timely fertilizer assistance—about Rs. 20,000 million is allocated for the coming Maha—and shift from pure cash transfers to timely supply of quality-standard fertilizers.