The Hon. Namal Karunaratne

¶ 01 Hon. Member, practically, over 90% of payments for vegetables and other crops have been made; remaining funds have been sent to District Secretaries. Wildlife damage compensation is being paid—Rs. 200,000 for a dead cow, Rs. 1,000,000 for five, Rs. 20,000 for a goat or pig, compensation even for poultry—unprecedented before. Funds are with District Secretaries; there should be no concern.

¶ 02 On fertilizer subsidy, required funds have been fully released. Over 95% of the first round has been credited; the balance is being processed. All eligible farmers will receive subsidies.

¶ 03 Regarding the leaf yellowing in paddy, the Department of Agriculture has focused special attention; officers including specialists are engaged. If farmers suffer further losses, the Government will not abandon them; we will intervene and support. When we assumed office, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board had arrears from the previous Yala season; we first cleared those. For the two successive Maha-season disasters, we paid compensation before the next season commenced—first time in history. All eligible farmers will receive due compensation and subsidies. I assure this House.