The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank the Deputy Minister and all Members who supported this Motion from both sides—Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, Hon. Sudath Balagalla, Hon. E.M. Basnayaka, Hon. Adaikkalanathan, and Hon. Kodeeswaran.

¶ 02 The government side often says “we are doing all this,” but for decades we have heard such assurances. We bring this not to accuse but to ensure action on what must be done. The Deputy Minister said cultivation area would increase by 50,000 ha this Maha. Right now, there is a glut of Kekirisamba (a rice variety). What is your plan to balance varietal cultivation? Last season’s over-cultivation of Kekirisamba depressed its price below Nadu. What protection will farmers get if it repeats? If major millers alone purchase Kekirisamba, prices will crash. You must diversify procurement and storage beyond the big millers; otherwise farmers will suffer even if they cultivate more.

¶ 03 Time is passing; you have been in office a year, and your remaining time diminishes. Promises alone will not do. Even if we cannot deliver a perfect model immediately, start now—we in the Opposition are ready to support a workable beginning. We owe this to the farmers who feed the nation. Thank you.