Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today we are presenting amendments to several important laws, including the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill relevant to our Ministry. Much has been said about Regulations under the Sports Law; I will briefly respond.

¶ 02 For 76 years, two political camps played games with this country—including sports and even religion—to meet their political needs. That game has ended. As a new Government of the National People’s Power, we will give sports its due place and achieve progress nationally and internationally. Though there were medals, we also know corruption, narcotics, and underworld influence tarnished our country under previous rulers. Cleaning that up allows space for sports, plantations, and the future of our children.

¶ 03 On the Rubber Control (Amendment) Bill: The 1956 Act established the Rubber Controller. In 1993, by Cabinet decision of 12.08.1993, the Department of Rubber Development was created, with a Director-General as its head. Yet the principal Act still refers to “Rubber Controller,” creating legal inconsistencies. The main amendment is to incorporate “Director-General” into the law. We also update provisions replacing the “Rubber Advisory Board” and aligning funds such as the “Rubber Controller’s Fund” with the current departmental structure.

¶ 04 On the sector: Tea, coconut and rubber are key export crops. The plantation sector has suffered decline. We have about 84,002 hectares under rubber, but not all are harvested; many estates are neglected due to lack of maintenance and skilled tappers. We plan, from next year, a rehabilitation program for abandoned rubber and coconut lands, supporting large landowners—including those absentee owners—to revive production, with Government facilitation.

¶ 05 We aim to expand rubber cultivation beyond traditional wet zones—while protecting existing areas—into districts like Moneragala (already progressing), Ampara, Mahaweli areas, Badulla, and, subject to research, even Anuradhapura and Vavuniya, to reach an export target of USD 2 billion by 2030 from roughly USD 1 billion now. We will address diseases affecting perennial crops, blend local and global technology, engage both public and private sectors, improve rain-guards and tapping shelters in high-rain areas, and train workers.

¶ 06 Global markets now require sustainability standards, including EUDR-related certifications. Buyers question environmental compliance and avoid produce from deforested lands. We have already invested significantly and are working with private firms to secure international certifications and align production accordingly. We are also encouraging new clones and strengthening the Rubber Research Institute.

¶ 07 On fertilizers: For years, there was a shortage of chemical fertilizers, weakening trees and accelerating disease. We are now correcting this. Tea fertilizer subsidies are being provided, and for coconut too, including Batticaloa. A consignment of 55,000 MT of fertilizer granted by Russia is being formulated into suitable blends for coconut and distributed to smallholders at a subsidized price (e.g., a Rs. 9,000 bag provided at Rs. 4,000). Previously, subsidies were limited to holdings under five acres; now, even larger holders will receive up to the equivalent for five acres, regardless of poverty status, to increase national yield. Coconut exports brought USD 843 million last year; our target is USD 1.5 billion by 2030.

¶ 08 We will also launch the Northern Coconut Triangle program: cultivate 16,000 acres in the North, commencing on 2 September in Pudukkudiyiruppu under the leadership of the President. We will provide seedlings free, irrigation support (Rs. 30,000 per acre), fertilizer subsidies, and support to processors.

¶ 09 Our broader approach eschews the “old political games.” We have formed expert advisory groups—professionals contributing voluntarily—rather than appointing defeated politicians or relatives to sinecures. While challenges remain, we invite constructive proposals from the Opposition. To proceed with rubber sector reforms and expansion, these legal amendments are necessary. I request the House’s support.