Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, participating in today’s debate on the special import measures for potatoes and big onions, I wish to first note that the World Health Organization has declared this month for breast cancer awareness. The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus is bringing an Adjournment Motion today on this. In 2022, over 5,000 died from cancer in Sri Lanka; 28% of women cancer deaths are from breast cancer. Though I may not participate in that debate, I appreciate their initiative.

¶ 02 This morning’s brutal killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman has shocked us. Proper investigations must be conducted under law and order. I urge the responsible Minister to provide a statement tomorrow in Parliament. Today, not only politicians’ safety but public safety is threatened. To enter a public office in broad daylight and kill a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman is not ordinary. On the day of his appointment, those who intended to vote for him were abducted and detained — raising suspicion against the Government then. In that backdrop this murder occurred. Is there political involvement? Media are attempting to divert by smearing the victim. There is strong suspicion of involvement by Government-side individuals. Urgent action is needed. If you can arrest those abroad in other murder cases and bring them back, then in these domestic murders too, arrest the culprits immediately and bring them before the law.

¶ 03 On the new import measures on potatoes and onions: to truly increase production, the Government must pay attention to Agriculture Instructors (Agricultural Extension Officers). In Ampara District, there are vacancies yet unfilled even though exam results are out; promotions from Grade II to I and Supra Grades have been delayed for years. This is a serious deficiency.

¶ 04 The Agricultural Promotion Office is not in Kalmunai but only in Periyaneelavanai; even if sited in Sainthamaruthu, it is not in Kalmunai. The Government must address this.

¶ 05 During Question Time, in response to Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe’s oral question on paddy purchasing stores in Ampara, it was stated that paddy drying machines will be provided from next year. Currently, the Government purchases only about 20% of Ampara’s paddy; with moisture limits below 17%, many farmers suffer. Such facilities must be provided urgently.

¶ 06 Districts like Matale, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Jaffna produce increased quantities of potatoes and big onions. September–October is their harvest. Traditionally, special import measures during this period help control prices and give farmers better returns. However, can this truly increase overall production in subsequent years? I raised this concern yesterday too. Last year, domestic big onion accounted for only 4% — about 8,000 MT — while over 200,000 MT were imported. This time, a forecast says 50,000 MT can be produced. Is that feasible? The Government must deploy Agriculture Instructors and Extension Officers to these areas.

¶ 07 Seed onions are in very short supply; the Government must focus on providing them. It is said about 25,000 MT were imported before the levy. If so, this undermines the Ministry’s objectives. Please explain this properly to the House. I conclude. Thank you.