The Hon. K. D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, my two Deputy Ministers, Government Ministers and Members have given deep answers to the simple questions raised by the Opposition. Therefore, I do not wish to make a lengthy reply.

¶ 02 There were remarks about Urumaya versus Himikama. If you do not know the difference, please listen to yesterday’s Adjournment debate. Our Hon. Ajith P. Perera presented an excellent motion, which Hon. Dayasiri endorsed, and we discussed it at the Adjournment. Even if you were not in the Chamber, listening to that debate will answer many questions.

¶ 03 Let me raise one small point not discussed today. On food, not a single Member said any staple or essential was in short supply. The Ministries of Agriculture and Trade, along with our officials, have established a Food Security Committee. Today, in this House, we received confirmation that it is functioning properly—because no one claimed any shortage of food items. Likewise, no one said prices of essentials were sky-high. A farmer too is a consumer. Yet no such claim was heard from the Opposition or anywhere. That means prices are at fair levels and supplies adequate. I wish to record that, because no one else said it.

¶ 04 Our duty is to improve farmers’ incomes, alongside food security. We are already implementing many measures, with significant funds allocated to complete them properly. There is no point answering baseless or uninformed claims.

¶ 05 Successive Governments watched as people settled on hilltops and in river basins and floodplains. People have occupied tank reservations, forest reserves and even moved into the water spread. Now we are told to let them remain. We will not. We will clearly relocate those living in tank reservations and give them better conditions—acquiring the reservation lands, giving them new land, and providing the necessary grants and facilities. When building dams, towns were relocated outside; similarly, we must do this now during disasters. We must accept that unauthorised settlements have occurred—even within forest and wildlife lands and along elephant corridors. That is what we call the 76-year curse. Everything went awry over 76 years; yet some still seek political advantage. There is no merit in that. I also appreciate good proposals made by our Kandy District MP Jayaratne, and by our Polonnaruwa MP Kings Nelson regarding increased flows along the Sorowwa channel below Parakrama Samudra leading to water losses—we are aware and will act accordingly.

¶ 06 I have only ten minutes and will not seek an extension; necessary answers have been provided. Hon. Gayanta Karunathilaka also functioned as Minister of Lands and presented good proposals. I thank all Opposition Members who responsibly submitted proposals, and Government Ministers and MPs who intervened and answered. I must first thank the Secretary-General of Parliament and staff who have worked tirelessly to facilitate our work. I also thank my Ministry Secretary and staff, departmental heads and staff, and the chairmen, boards and staff of our many institutions for their great dedication.

¶ 07 This debate mainly served the Opposition. It is time to conclude. A division was scheduled today. In my morning speech, I requested that we forego the division and allow Members to go to their districts. The Opposition cooperated, and Members have already departed to affected areas. I thank Hon. Gayanta Karunathilaka, the Chief Organizer of the Opposition, and all who facilitated this. I conclude.