The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Upliftment of Agriculture in Areas Affected by Cyclone “Ditwah”

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), my question is as follows.

¶ 03 Hon. Speaker, due to Cyclone “Ditwah” which struck in late November 2025, Sri Lanka’s domestic food production has been severely affected. The 2025/26 Maha season, which normally contributes nearly two-thirds of national rice production and was at its most vulnerable early stage, was hit. Usually around 800,000 hectares are cultivated each Maha, but according to the Disaster Management Centre reports, only about 563,950 hectares were cultivated this season. A large proportion was damaged by heavy rains, flooding and landslides.

¶ 04 Perennials including tea, coconut, fruits and home gardens were also impacted. Due to these losses and disrupted cash flows, the 2026 Yala cultivation is also at risk.

¶ 05 Hon. Speaker, I seek the following clarifications from the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

¶ 06 First, I note that a few months ago I asked a 27(2) question from the same Minister and still have not received a reply. It concerned the recovery programme. As it was a nationally important issue, even two months later there is no response; thus its importance is undermined. I draw your attention to this.

¶ 07 1. What is the Government’s current official estimate in metric tons for rice production in the 2025/26 Maha season, and what is the national rice availability forecast for 2026?

¶ 08 I ask this because a rice shortage is looming. Without a forecast given in time—answering after the season ends serves no purpose.

¶ 09 2. What relief packages (including replacement seed paddy, fertilizer, planting materials, concessional credit, and compensation) have been allocated and distributed to affected farmers to date, disaggregated by district and value distributed?

¶ 10 3. Specifically focusing on severely affected districts in the Northern, Eastern and Central Provinces, what concrete measures are being taken to ensure the 2026 Yala cultivation starts on time, including releasing water from major reservoirs, supplying certified seed paddy and fertilizer?

¶ 11 As an example, in Batticaloa, fully-destroyed paddy fields received Rs. 60,000 per acre, but those with partial damage (half an acre or certain extents) have not received funds.

¶ 12 4. In some districts, more than a month has passed since cultivation started, yet Agrarian Service Centres have not provided fertilizer adequately or on time. In sandy soils, at least 100 kg of urea per acre is needed in some cases, but the Government supplies only 40 kg. Sandy areas need 100 kg. Due to delays by CCS (Pvt.) Limited and the Government Fertilizer Company in distributing fertilizer, farmers are facing severe hardship. Will urgent action be taken?

¶ 13 Hon. Speaker, this is a very important matter. In some areas of Batticaloa District, 15 days have passed since sowing; later the first fertilizer application must be done. To areas like Vakarai and Eravur, via CCS (Pvt.) Limited, only one lorry of fertilizer has arrived so far. I spoke with the Commissioner General of Agrarian Development and with the District Commissioner; no solution has yet been found. If the Government does not supply timely fertilizer, what will farmers do? They are compelled to purchase from private sellers.

¶ 14 In one incident in Batticaloa, a shop in Porativu Pattu received fertilizer from a company owned by one Pradeep: they invoiced at Rs. 16,000 in 2024. Out of fear of crop loss from late application, farmers pay Rs. 16,000 though the Government price is Rs. 10,000. We cannot blame shop owners; they say, “If you cannot supply, close our shops!” When shops sell at Rs. 16,000, the Consumer Affairs Authority files cases against them. If Government does not supply on time, either agriculture collapses or farmers must buy at Rs. 16,000, which then creates problems for retailers.

¶ 15 In our district, many paddy fields are on sandy soil. The Government gives only 40 kg of urea per farmer, but for better yields in our regions, 100 kg per acre is necessary. Where will farmers find the remaining 60 kg? If private sellers cannot legally sell at adjusted prices, farming collapses; if they sell at higher prices, sellers are penalized and farmers also suffer. A permanent solution is needed.

¶ 16 We have already passed 35 days since sowing; in another 60 days this season ends. If answers and action do not come within this window, this question will be pointless.

¶ 17 Further, some say Rs. 60,000 per acre was paid to fully-damaged fields, but no compensation has been paid for partially-damaged plots—even in many other districts.

¶ 18 There is also a whitefly-type disease in coconut palms. For two years no effective pesticide has been provided. Even though a pesticide is said to have been found in Kannooruvil, the Coconut Research Institute has not yet approved it, so it is not supplied. Production is declining. Similar issues may exist in tea in the hill country. Without proper solutions, farmers will take to the streets again, and we will join them against the Government. The Government Chief Government Whip is present; I bring this to his attention and request urgent answers and solutions. Thank you.