The Hon. Kins Nelson

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I am glad to speak on the Heads of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. The Hon. Minister earlier said all affected farmers have received assistance. I represent a farming district, Polonnaruwa. As of now, compensation has not been fully paid as promised. Farmers were told Rs. 100,000 per hectare would be paid for total crop loss. That message has misled farmers. It must be corrected through Agrarian Service Centres or a designated team.

¶ 02 In reality, compensation is scaled: for one month’s crop loss, 40% (Rs. 40,000); for two months, 60% (Rs. 60,000); only for complete loss is it Rs. 100,000 per hectare. This has not been communicated properly. Farmers expect Rs. 100,000 per hectare for any flood-affected field. Please instruct officials to clarify the actual scheme.

¶ 03 During the recent floods, in Medirigiriya DS Division about 800 acres were totally destroyed; in Gal Amuna about 250 acres; in Pamburana and Palliyagodella about 400 acres. In Mahaweli B Zone, Dimbulagala DS, Dammninna area, about 1,500 acres are completely destroyed and still under water. No official has visited despite informing Mahaweli officials.

¶ 04 Another issue: harvesting costs. Previously, harvesting a hectare cost around Rs. 35,000. Now, with the wet conditions, machines cannot enter easily and charges are Rs. 50,000–60,000 per hectare. Farmers cannot harvest, and their fields are flooded. Hon. Minister Lal Kantha and State Minister Namal Karunaratne have often spoken sympathetically about farmers. We ask you to act accordingly.