The Hon. Namal Karunaratne

¶ 01 Though not directly tied to your main question, I will answer as it is important for farmers. As noted, Rs. 25,000 per hectare is paid as fertilizer support. In 2016 there was a major drought; in 2017 we initiated this compensation framework, which is still in place. For total crop loss, compensation up to Rs. 100,000 per hectare is paid in three stages—initial, middle and final. We are committed to pay compensation to affected farmers. Many have not received compensation in the recent period; I have said this before in this House.

¶ 02 For example, 2,044,000 kg of potatoes were procured by the Government from Welimada farmers at Rs. 95 per kg, taking the best quality, but even the minimal dues were not paid fully then; we had to protest and surround the Ministry to secure part-payments, and still not fully paid. Similarly, in Matale, seed onion farmers were promised Rs. 9,000 per unit but were not paid; despite discussions with three Ministers and protests, still unpaid. The Hon. Deputy Minister for Ampara, Wasantha Piyatissa, is here—Ampara farmers are owed Rs. 334.34 million. The Deputy Minister for Monaragala, R.M. Jayawardena, is also here—Monaragala farmers are owed Rs. 160 million.

¶ 03 Despite such past injustices, we assure compensation for current crop losses. We will also review compensation rates and consider necessary revisions.