The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 However, after a year, today the situation is adverse and problematic.

¶ 02 As the minimum guaranteed price has not been fully implemented, farmers have been exposed to the adverse influence of private traders.

¶ 03 Although the Government promised, rice prices have not decreased and consumers are compelled to pay higher prices.

¶ 04 Even the Minister of Trade speaking about importing rice has undermined the confidence and security of domestic farmers.

¶ 05 Yet, official records show that the 2025 Maha season harvest was about 2.6 million metric tons. If properly managed, it is sufficient to meet the country’s needs.

¶ 06 Storage and transport issues, a weak Paddy Marketing Board, and untimely provision of fertilizer have created further problems for farmers and consumers.

¶ 07 The failure to provide a fair price to the farmer and the failure to provide rice to the consumer at a low price have directly challenged the country’s food security and public confidence.

¶ 08 Why has the Government failed to fully implement the minimum guaranteed price — a core pledge of the new Government?

¶ 09 1. When the Maha harvest was about 2.6 million metric tons, why are consumers still buying rice at high prices? Why was awareness not provided to farmers on mixed cultivation of Nadu and Keeri Samba?

¶ 10 This year, around 90 percent of the harvest is reported to be Nadu. While prices of all rice varieties were increased, why was the price of Keeri Samba not increased?

¶ 11 2. When there is an adequate domestic harvest, what are the primary reasons for considering rice imports?

¶ 12 3. What is the Government’s plan to resolve the contradiction of farmers selling their harvest at low prices while consumers buy rice at high prices?

¶ 13 4. Why were storage centres in areas such as Ampara, Gal Oya and Deegawapiya not reused, compelling farmers to sell their harvest at low prices?

¶ 14 5. Why is rice price regulation not being exercised? When fuel, electricity bills and essential goods are regulated, why is an open market policy with tariff safeguards not introduced to protect farmers?

¶ 15 6. How do fertilizer shortages and high cultivation costs affect harvest quality and farmer income? What urgent and practical steps is the Government taking on this?

¶ 16 7. What immediate steps will the Government take to protect farmers from unscrupulous traders and to provide relief to consumers through lower prices?

¶ 17 8. If such failures and contradictions continue to worsen, what is the Government’s vision regarding Sri Lanka’s future food security and agricultural self-sufficiency?

¶ 18 9. How much rice has been imported this year? What is the total duty and other levies per kilogram? How much rice does the Government intend to import in future?

¶ 19 Thank you, Hon. Speaker.