The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, I table the answer.

¶ 02 Answer tabled.

¶ 03 (a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) Yes.

¶ 04 (b) (i) Due to deaths caused by African Swine Fever, a large number of pig farms have been affected. Under the leadership of the Hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock and Ministry officials, several discussions have been held with affected pig producers and their associations. Based on these, options and mechanisms to provide some compensation or other suitable relief for dead animals are currently being studied. Thereafter, a policy decision will be obtained.

¶ 05 At present, the primary issue facing those engaged in this industry is the inability to service loans. In line with the Government’s current economic policy, the Central Bank’s Circular No. 04 of 2024 provides for relief to SMEs affected by recent exceptional economic conditions through licensed commercial and specialized banks. Accordingly, small and medium-scale pig producers who meet the criteria in the said Circular and have existing credit facilities for their operations are eligible to obtain such loan relief.

¶ 06 (ii) Upon obtaining the relevant policy decision, this will be notified.

¶ 07 (c) Does not arise.