The Hon. Dinindu Saman

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Chamara Sampath has moved a traditionally sound proposal. But such Motions often come only after problems arise. If a problem is anticipated, we should bring Motions earlier. For the record: since this Government took office, the highest-ever levy on imported potatoes was imposed — Rs. 60 per kg from 02.10.2024, again from 30.11.2024, and continuing from 31.12.2024 till today — the highest in five years. In contrast, in February 2021 the then Government raised the levy to Rs. 50 per kg and three days later cut it to Rs. 15; then in April 2021 again raised to Rs. 50 — manipulation benefitting import lobbies, not farmers. Under that period, Sri Lanka imported 168,185 MT — about 80.5% of total availability — while domestic output fell to 40,789 MT (about 19.6%) by 2023 due to cutting farmer support, high input prices, and neglect of technology. Today, with a Rs. 60/kg levy, wholesale prices at Keppetipola are around Rs. 280 per kg. We must provide technology, fair input prices, and soil and moisture conservation to raise yields. The NPP Government is taking those steps.

¶ 02 Thank you.