The Hon. Danushka Ranganath

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the vote of the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Community Infrastructure Facilities at the 2025 Budget Committee Stage.

¶ 02 Some criticize now what they failed to do when they were blowing the bucket themselves. The people know who blew the most whistles. Whether they return to this House is for the people to decide.

¶ 03 As some started with animals, I too will begin with a story. The lion, king of the jungle, invited all animals to a birthday party with the best food and drink. All enjoyed and thanked him, except the pig, who said the food was worthless—because pigs prefer filth. Some will always seek the dirt, no matter what is provided.

¶ 04 Turning to the debate: under the vision “A Sustainable Plantation Economy – A Prosperous Country,” opportunities have been allocated to promote sustainability and innovation, boost exports, and improve the socio-economic status of plantation communities. Plantations contribute to GDP and provide direct and indirect employment to about 10 percent of the population. Community infrastructure for these populations has, since Gazette 2412/08 of 25.11.2024, been brought under the Ministry of Plantation Industries. This is timely state intervention.

¶ 05 On rubber: my Kalutara District, Agalawatta seat, is a traditional rubber area housing the Rubber Research Institute. Traditionally, Kalutara, Ratnapura, and Kegalle are key districts, but rubber is now expanding to 16 districts under a strategic plan, with significant budget space for 2025. Targets include 78 million kg production and about Rs. 1,017 billion (USD 1.07 billion) export earnings; replanting 345 ha; new planting 655 ha; production and distribution of 581,000 quality stumped/budded plants; 1,500 ha of rain guards; and 250 ha income diversification.

¶ 06 A challenge is the New Leaf Fall disease; the government will intervene to control it, and through research improve smallholder yields. In 2025 we will identify 5,000 ha in non-traditional areas for expansion and invest more to develop rubber lands.

¶ 07 On community infrastructure, we request greater allocations to uplift facilities for estate-dependent populations.

¶ 08 I must also raise a local issue in Palindanuwara. In 2017, 17 houses in Maragahadeniya Estate (No. 2 Division) were at landslide risk. Eight years on, no solution has been provided despite the Ministry being informed. Please intervene to resolve this.

¶ 09 Thank you for the opportunity; I resume my seat.