The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Today we debate three regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act. The recent measures target 62 food items, including imported potatoes and onions.

¶ 02 The Northern Province historically contributed significantly to onion and potato cultivation but is now debilitated. Imposing levies on imports both controls imports and yields revenue, and can incentivize domestic production. But levies alone will not achieve self-sufficiency. We must balance two sides: benefits to producers from higher domestic prices and the burden on consumers from higher import taxation.

¶ 03 To raise production, government must assist producers—fertilizer subsidies are paramount. In the North, although about 85 percent of the harvest is complete, farmers have yet to be paid for paddy procured in the last major season. Without timely procurement and payment, how can we build a productive economy? Despite announced paddy prices, purchases lag; crop insurance is incomplete; human–wildlife conflict remains unresolved. Levies alone cannot fix this; broader support is essential.

¶ 04 Transport costs inflate final prices for northern consumers. Produce imported via Colombo becomes costlier by the time it reaches the North. Therefore, utilize the USD 63.5 million Indian grant to develop the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port to reduce logistics costs. I urge the Hon. President to ensure KKS Port development proceeds so that funds are used properly to uplift our people’s economy. Thank you.