The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), I raise the following on paddy cultivation and the promised guaranteed price.

¶ 02 Today, paddy farmers are not pursuing a profitable livelihood but struggling to survive. Burdened by debt before and during cultivation, after harvesting they cannot obtain the Government’s promised guaranteed price and must sell at low prices to middlemen. Human–elephant and human–wildlife conflict also causes significant crop damage without effective solutions.

¶ 03 1. In the 2025 Yala season, what total quantity of paddy did the Government purchase and what was the total expenditure? Were funds allocated via the Budget or via credit facilities?

¶ 04 2. Has the purchased stock been released to the market? If long-term storage has degraded quality, has the Government incurred losses? If so, who is accountable?

¶ 05 3. What is the Government’s procurement target for the 2025/2026 Maha season? Is Government-owned storage capacity sufficient? If not, will additional public funds be spent to rent storage?

¶ 06 In Rajarata, harvesting has begun. Current buying prices are Rs. 70–80 per kg against a promised guaranteed price of Rs. 120. The Government said small and medium millers would be facilitated in the procurement process. Is that happening?

¶ 07 4. What proportion of actual purchases to date is of the Government’s target? Is there a gap between official statistics and ground reality? What is the Government’s position on farmers’ protests over this disparity? Farmers are receiving only Rs. 70–80 per kg while Government cites Rs. 120 per kg. What is the explanation and solution?

¶ 08 5. What formula was used to compute farmers’ true cost of production when setting the Maha guaranteed price? Isn’t labeling a non-remunerative price as a “guaranteed price” misleading the public? With urea, MOP, and TSP prices higher and reported quality issues, what is the cost formula, and what guaranteed price consistent with it is offered? It has been said that the promised Rs. 120 price cannot be paid and farmers may have to wait two years; is that true?

¶ 09 6. Given rainfall, disease, and nutrient deficiencies, what is the estimated Maha crop loss? Has its impact on national rice supply been assessed? Or does the Government lack a food security plan? With Middle East volatility likely to raise input prices further, shouldn’t a higher stable price be provided?

¶ 10 7. Will the Maha harvest suffice for domestic needs? If a shortfall exists due to the “Dicha” cyclone damage and reduced fertilizer support, will the Government import rice in 2026? If so, which varieties, quantities, and timeline?

¶ 11 This is a time-critical issue; we seek the Government’s response today.