The Hon. 1.13. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we are discussing the Votes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation. Due to the current adverse weather, there are losses of life and property. We express sorrow to all affected. This morning, H.E. the President came to Parliament and discussed with the Leader of the Opposition, Opposition MPs, Government Ministers and MPs, the response to this disaster. Declaring a State of Emergency was also discussed at length. Instead, it was decided to mobilize the tri-forces, Police, Disaster Management officials, and all District Secretaries. Despite this, some Opposition Members rushed in making statements as if nothing had been done; we regret such remarks at this serious time.

¶ 02 The Agriculture Ministry has already spent around 60–65 percent of its allocation; by 31 December we will reach 80–90 percent. Some Opposition claims are utterly false. Sri Lanka has never been self-sufficient in potatoes in any year—such claims are untrue.

¶ 03 On paddy, potatoes, and big onions: for 30–40 years, farmers could not sell at fair price; cost was Rs. 100, selling at Rs. 80–90. In Johnston Fernando’s time, big onion farmers sold at Rs. 50–60 per kg when cost was around Rs. 80; thousands protested in Dambulla demanding Rs. 90 guaranteed price, which could not be given then. Today, Government purchases big onions at Rs. 140 while costs are below Rs. 100—a fair price, though issues can occur.

¶ 04 For paddy, current production cost is Rs. 85–90 per kg, lower in some areas. Based on data from farmer leaders we summoned, in some places this season yields per acre reached 3,000–3,500 kg, bringing unit costs below Rs. 78 per kg; hence the Rs. 120 price is justifiable. Demands to raise it to Rs. 140–150 recall the time when chemical fertilizer was banned, costs shot up, and prices of Rs. 150 were sought. That is not today’s context. To uplift farmers, we must raise yields, not only prices. Our plan targets increasing per-acre yields by about 1.5 times by 2028. This season, Keeri Samba prices are high due to reduced sowing; we plan over 60,000 ha of Keeri Samba, and as of 26 November, 39,810 ha are sown; Nadu around 279,000 ha; Red Nadu around 112,000 ha; Samba around 32,000 ha; Red Samba around 4,000 ha. We aim to add 12,000–15,000 ha more Keeri Samba to stabilize.

¶ 05 Regarding flood compensation: Hon. Namal Rajapaksa said compensation was not paid. Two floods occurred last December; in both instances, this Government paid compensation within the same season, not after the next Yala. On rice imports and millers: we will not succumb to any mafia; if needed, we will import to stabilize prices. By 2028, we plan to end rice imports.

¶ 06 Thank you.