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

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the “@OOo” cyclone caused a vast disaster: about 646 deaths, over 173 missing; 5,988 houses fully and 108,043 partially damaged. With support from volunteers and officials, we began compensation and restoration, bringing the country back to normal in one to two weeks. The collective non-partisan effort was vital.

¶ 02 There were claims of impending food shortages. We have ensured there will be no shortage of rice or vegetables; food scarcity will not arise — we have already addressed these issues.

¶ 03 A Member earlier said we had promised Rs. 150,000 per acre; we did not make such a statement. Previously, compensation was paid only for six crops — chilli, potato, big onion, soya, paddy, and maize — and for nursery damage, Rs. 16,000 per acre. Now we pay Rs. 60,000 per acre. So far, 96,847 farmers have been paid; about 50,005 hectares covered; over Rs. 7,500 million disbursed to cultivators. Some late reports covering about 9,000 hectares remain and will be paid in coming days. Unlike before, we now compensate for any vegetable — cucumber, bitter gourd, brinjal, pumpkin, okra, snake gourd, ridge gourd — and fruits like banana, pineapple, papaya. Data collection was a challenge because such a system did not exist; nevertheless, by early next month, all payments will be completed. Already 23,053 additional crop growers have been paid; about Rs. 826 million disbursed for these. Never before were these off-season crops compensated.

¶ 04 The Opposition talks of compensation today; farmers remember their record then. In Matale — the largest big-onion producer — the Government then took farmers’ seed at Rs. 9,000 per sack promising to pay, but paid nothing. We protested in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, and with Ministers then; still farmers were not paid. In vegetable areas like Welimada, Uvaparanagama, Borlanda, Boragaslanda, they took 2,044,000 kg of potatoes promising Rs. 95 per kg, but paid nothing. We protested; the Minister ran away; later some funds were recovered, but farmers still remain unpaid to the tune of Rs. 300–400 million. In Monaragala, Rs. 160 million due to maize farmers; in Ampara, Rs. 320 million; we marched to the District Secretariat — with little success. Those Governments “pawned” the farmer; today they shed crocodile tears.

¶ 05 Regarding irrigation assets: 282 tanks fully damaged — mostly in Kurunegala; 625 anicuts damaged — mostly in Badulla; 551 canals damaged — mostly in Kandy. Partially damaged: 1,017 tanks — mostly in Anuradhapura; 734 anicuts; 2,026 canals. Minor damages: 257 tanks; 74 anicuts; 615 canals. We will repair all and restore them to, and beyond, their previous standard.

¶ 06 It is said that GNs and Divisional Secretaries oppose these processes. That is false. Officials have, in fact, proposed prudent measures to save public funds. Even where partial damage is Rs. 25,000–30,000, beneficiaries receive Rs. 50,000 — that is how we are proceeding.

¶ 07 We visited flood areas; people had marked past and current flood levels on their walls. They told us, “Previously we at least received a ration bag; beyond that, nothing happened.” That was their experience. After the tsunami, large funds were misappropriated; people even earned nicknames for it. They collected insurance and then state funds, and shared among themselves. We have changed that culture: Presidential Fund resources are directed to the people.

¶ 08 This disaster caused great harm, but we will lift the country up. We have the strength and resolve to carry Sri Lanka forward despite obstacles. Thank you.