The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, with your permission, this is a very important debate. Especially in the field of plantation and community infrastructure, and within the plantation sector, there are cultural linkages across regions: palmyrah in the North, coconut in the North Western and Southern Provinces, tea in the estates — each binds the culture of those provinces.

¶ 02 We know that due to severe mismanagement and gross negligence in the past, this sector largely collapsed. Where we should have had a global foothold for coconut, palmyrah, other crops, and tea, we did not. When issues arose, the Opposition amplified them to sling mud at the Government. Had that enthusiasm been used during their time in power to rebuild the sector, the country might have avoided this fate.

¶ 03 There was a serious coconut crisis, with multiple factors. Coconut lands were not properly used; lands were fragmented and misapplied, undermining coconut cultivation. Another reason was the blanket ban on chemical fertilizer. We said at the time this decision must be reversed or the country would face grave problems. That decision significantly contributed to the coconut crisis.

¶ 04 Another major issue is animal damage. Globally, there are many scientific methods identified after extensive trials — such as the Lincoln-Petersen method — now used to estimate populations. When we introduce such methods, they have limitations; some are older, predating technological advances. But we must start somewhere, given where the country stands. We are only now emerging from bankruptcy; we must begin methodically.

¶ 05 A massive problem in this country is the lack of reliable data — in paddy, health, agriculture, plantations, and more. If we keep good statistics, only then can we determine firm solutions. Yet, when we introduce scientific methods, the Opposition ridicules and obstructs. That is no longer acceptable; the public has cooperated, and the program commenced today is a good start.

¶ 06 Our palmyrah sector also faces many issues. Due to the war in the North, there was substantial damage. We did not progress sufficiently in value addition; where we did, it was limited. Now we have a solid plan. We must give that sector its due place — it can be developed well, and globally the competition is limited as palmyrah is scarce in many countries. We have appointed a competent, non-political board to the Palmyrah Development Board, comprising people with knowledge of the field. We believe this sector can advance rapidly and earn foreign exchange.

¶ 07 This Ministry is special because it covers both the tea industry and related infrastructure responsibilities. Previously, plantation and infrastructure were handled separately; now we work more scientifically.

¶ 08 We know in the plantation areas, people have suffered for about 200 years without even addresses to receive mail. We have a duty to provide them basic rights and to protect the environment. We must not develop by antagonizing any side; preserving the environment safeguards lives too.

¶ 09 The tea sector collapsed rapidly in recent years. We must rebuild it fast while protecting people’s basic land, housing, and education rights. The Government must intervene to provide concrete answers and solutions.

¶ 10 Regarding cinnamon: Sri Lankan Ceylon Cinnamon has a strong global market distinct from cassia. Unfortunately, in the past we did not place enough emphasis on value addition. Under this Government led by the National People’s Power, we believe the “Ceylon Cinnamon” brand can be firmly positioned globally. With even minimal necessary steps, we can capture that market.

¶ 11 I conclude by thanking you for the time.