The Hon. Aruna Panagoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, we are debating the Heads of Expenditure of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation. Though elected from Colombo District, I note Colombo’s relative contribution to agriculture is smaller than other districts. Nevertheless, there is significant potential. In Homagama, where I reside, there are two Agrarian Service Centres; Colombo has substantial agricultural lands in parts.

¶ 02 In the past, those in power aimed to convert paddy lands into buildings—even promoting filling paddy fields. Today, that has changed. As a responsible government, we aim to rehabilitate fallow paddy lands in Colombo with suitable agricultural methods.

¶ 03 Farmers, who suffered various injustices and hardships, helped bring this government to power. Therefore, we must rebuild agriculture by understanding farmers’ problems and engaging them. Public participation in development is essential—both in advancing agriculture and in solving farmers’ problems.

¶ 04 From morning, the Opposition made various comments—especially about the animal census scheduled for the 15th under the Agriculture Ministry. Opinions varied. We believe it is a timely and important decision because wild animals are significantly damaging farmers’ crops; the problem has worsened. A beginning must be made. Already, forms have been distributed via Divisional Secretariats and Grama Niladhari divisions to involve the public.

¶ 05 Some agree, some do not. But as a government, we are taking the first step towards a solution by involving people. The census will focus on animals harmful to agriculture—porcupines, peacocks, toque macaques, monkeys, etc.—and must be conducted properly within the announced timeframe.

¶ 06 I also wish to highlight a specific issue affecting Homagama. There has been a massive increase in wild boar populations across 5–6 GN divisions. We discussed and pursued solutions for years. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has now started to take steps to remove these animals from the area. If we remove them, where will they go? For a proper plan, we must first know their numbers. Accordingly, the Department has initiated a survey in our electorate to enumerate wild boar. We have information indicating 1,500–2,500 wild boar across 52 GN divisions around Homagama, damaging all crops. We plan to safely capture and release them into suitable areas. The nationwide census on the 15th will provide data; the current government lacks such data because in the past there were only talk shows, no action. We call on the critics to join in and help.

¶ 07 As we represent Colombo, we know the extent of issues in the Lands Ministry and the LRC. We have seen what happened to LRC lands—some ministers got lands transferred into their own names without due process. In my electorate too there are such cases. Last week I raised this here: a very valuable plot was registered to a private individual. Upon inquiry, it was revealed that with Cabinet approval, 393 persons had 393 state lands privately registered to them. While innocent people do not even have a perch, ministers and politically connected individuals have acres of LRC lands in their names. This must be rectified. Many valuable lands in Colombo were taken this way by those who ruled before. Despite this situation, we must set the country right.

¶ 08 Understanding this, the Agriculture Ministry must identify farmers’ true problems and rapidly move the country towards a fair food production system benefiting both farmers and consumers. We inherited a bankrupt country; in rebuilding the economy, food security is vital. Therefore, by strengthening village-level farmers, providing facilities, rectifying shortcomings in Agrarian Service Centres and veterinary offices, and ensuring fair support, we can ensure fair benefits to farmers and affordable prices to consumers.

¶ 09 Thank you for the time.