The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi

¶ 01 Give me one more minute.

¶ 02 Later, when salt was Rs. 1,200 a kilo, now it is Rs. 220. Hambantota Salterns had revenue. Thousands of employees—around a thousand—work there: about 953 permanent and around 750 temporary. Hon. Minister, salt production in 2022 was 70,061 metric tons. In 2023, 61,700 metric tons. In 2024, 26,736 metric tons. That means by 2024, production has decreased by around 35,000 metric tons. Please investigate why production has declined.

¶ 03 You have now appointed a manager. In 2024, production decreased by around 35,000 metric tons. The saltern is a national resource; it produces for the country. It used to produce about 71,000 metric tons annually. Due to political favoritism, unsuitable staff were appointed to management, and production fell. Rainfall affected it too. Also, in brine water management, purchasing pumps, hoses and such was done without standards and with commissions; that accounted for as much as 66%. Because managers and the Board did not conduct production properly, this loss occurred. Therefore, if you are implementing a food security program, please ensure essentials like salt are also secured through a proper program.

¶ 04 Hambantota Salterns is a national asset. Thousands of employees are there.