The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, thank you for permitting me, under Standing Order 27(2), to raise an urgent matter regarding large-scale cattle deaths in the Northern Province. Following the recent climate disaster, severe crisis conditions have arisen in the Northern Province—particularly in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna.

¶ 02 While the nation focuses on crop losses, a “silent disaster” has struck our livestock farmers. Due to sudden temperature drops and continuous rainfall, thousands of cattle have died within 48 hours. This is not just livestock loss; it is the total collapse of rural livelihoods for thousands of families.

¶ 03 Key points: - Deaths: Preliminary reports indicate thousands of cattle, buffaloes and goats have died in the Northern Province. - Causes: Veterinary reports attribute deaths to extreme cold below average temperatures and insufficient shelter for livestock removed from grazing fields. - Economic loss: Excluding long-term milk production loss, the direct value of dead animals is estimated to exceed Rs. 150 million.

¶ 04 Questions: 1) Has the Ministry conducted a systematic census of livestock deaths and compiled a clear dataset? 2) How much compensation has been paid to affected cattle and buffalo owners, poultry farmers and other related farmers? 3) Will the Government provide per-animal compensation for dead livestock to farmers already in economic distress? 4) What immediate measures has the Department of Animal Production and Health taken to provide emergency vitamins and veterinary care to surviving but weakened animals? 5) Does the Government have a long-term plan to provide grants for weather-resilient cattle sheds and shelters in frequently affected grazing areas of the North?

¶ 05 These farmers supply the milk that feeds our children. We cannot allow them to be driven into debt by a climate disaster beyond their control. I expect comprehensive answers. Thank you.