The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the time to speak in today’s Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Resources, Lands and Irrigation.

¶ 03 Due to current weather, there have been loss of life and property; I express deep condolences to all affected. Such disasters occur twice a year in our country. While we cannot prevent natural calamities, I urge the Government to take measures to reduce future impacts.

¶ 04 People elevated the NPP to office with high expectations. Compared to recent years, this Ministry has received a larger allocation—about Rs. 221 billion. While not fully sufficient, it is a welcome increase.

¶ 05 In the North and East, including Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu, despite abundant land, governments have been unwilling to give land to the landless. Forest, Wildlife and Archaeology departments frequently gazette lands—mainly in the North and East—while not facilitating investments and projects. If lands are given, many in the diaspora are ready to invest. Please stop unnecessary forest gazetting and, as the Lands Minister, act correctly. The Forest Department has taken over tanks, pastures, and even farmlands. Please decide at the Ministry level.

¶ 06 You must resolve long-standing issues. In the North and East, paddy harvesting occurs early but the Government does not fix a price in time. If a price were set by January 1 and procurement done through the Paddy Marketing Board, farmers would benefit. Traders now exploit and buy paddy and other grains cheaply. Please bring future plans such as buy-back systems to end this poverty cycle.

¶ 07 There is staff shortage in every sector. Despite attempts, they remain unresolved. Please address them. In the Northern Province, agricultural instructors are not paid transport allowances while others are; with staff shortages, they still do not receive due allowances—please intervene.

¶ 08 In Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar there are no permanent District Agricultural Directors; Mannar has an acting officer for about five years without confirmation, despite no charges and endorsements by the Governor, Human Rights Commission and Ministry Secretary. Please resolve this.

¶ 09 Please, one more minute.

¶ 10 Previously, under this Ministry, programs supplied black gram, green gram and goats annually to families, improving livelihoods. In 2023/2024, about 6,000 acres in Mannar were cultivated with black gram, making it the second largest producing district; farmers received Rs. 200/kg. Those programs, and goat distribution, are now halted. Please resume them so families can progress without depending on State aid. Also, 82 deeds for 16 lands in our area have been pending for nearly a year—please issue them urgently. I conclude.