Topic
Agriculture
1,763 speeches · 318 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Namal Karunaratne, M.P. JJB | 104 |
| 2 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 93 |
| 3 | Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna, M.P. JJB | 83 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, M.P. JJB | 48 |
| 5 | Hon. Kins Nelson, M.P. SJB | 39 |
| 6 | Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha, M.P. JJB | 37 |
| 7 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 32 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 32 |
| 9 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 32 |
| 10 | Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, M.P. JJB | 30 |
Speeches
1,763 on this topic- 19 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised concerns about residents who may be affected by a forthcoming project, particularly regarding housing and livelihoods linked to tea, rubber, and related agriculture. He asked whether measures to address these issues would be implemented before the project begins. Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne stated that the fertiliser subsidy has been increased from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 for two hectares, while intercropped farmers on paddy lands are receiving Rs. 30,000 in fertiliser support. He said the Government will procure fertiliser stocks directly from companies and distribute them through Agrarian Service Centres and farmer organisations to avoid intermediaries, while investigations continue into past exports of urea, TSP and MOP. He also outlined simplified fuel certification and distribution procedures for farmers, assuring that fuel and fertiliser requirements would be met without unnecessary queues or added costs. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha requested that fertilizer subsidies available to paddy farmers be extended to banana cultivators, citing the high cost of banana cultivation. He also raised concerns that shortages of petrol, diesel, and kerosene are affecting irrigation through agri-wells and disrupting transport and market access, with lorries not arriving from distant areas. He urged urgent measures to address these issues, particularly before the New Year. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne reported on consultations with banana farmers and visits to key banana markets where unsold produce was being discarded, noting that Ambul prices remain volatile despite satisfactory prices for Kolikuttu and Seeni. He said the Government is formulating a plan to support banana farmers through export promotion with private-sector partnerships, small-scale value addition, credit facilitation, and a state-supported processing framework to improve farmer returns and generate foreign exchange. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha raised concerns that banana growers in Ambilipitiya, the Mahaweli and Walawa areas, and adjoining parts of Hambantota face severe price drops, sometimes as low as Rs. 20 per kilogram, leaving crops unharvested. He noted that exports have declined and asked the Deputy Minister whether a structured programme, including export support and cold storage facilities to manage gluts, would be implemented soon. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary On behalf of the Agriculture Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that 1,987.2 hectares are under banana cultivation in the Ratnapura District, involving 3,019 families in Ambilipitiya and the Chandrika Wewa Division of the Mahaweli Walawa Special Area. He acknowledged that seasonal market gluts and fruit price fluctuations reduce banana farmers’ incomes. He said the Ministry and Mahaweli Authority are promoting exports, value-added production, concessional credit, and subsidies for wells, bunch covers, pumps, tissue-culture plants and ladders, with Rs. 18.62 million spent for 169 beneficiaries, while exporters currently pay about Rs. 150 per kilogram for quality Ambul bananas. Oral Question: Banana Cultivators in Ratnapura District: Issues (Q.1502/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is prioritizing fuel and energy allocation for essential sectors including agriculture, transport, industry, tourism and fisheries, with specific quotas for paddy harvesting, ploughing and threshing. He said supply-chain disruptions caused by external geopolitical pressures, rather than lack of Treasury funds, are the main challenge, and noted measures such as fuel support for distribution networks and a QR-linked app to assist tourist transport without queuing. He also stated that LPG demand had risen due to precautionary refilling, and outlined current and scheduled Litro imports intended to meet monthly requirements and secure future supply. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns over alleged substandard imported coal, citing committee discussions in which officials acknowledged environmental damage, risks to turbines, increased reliance on oil-based power generation, higher tariffs, and possible power cuts, and called for the President and relevant authorities to intervene. He argued that Parliament should continue meeting during national crises and proposed that the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and party leaders meet to discuss a way forward. He also requested action on disputes affecting farmers in Gal Oya, Hingurakgoda, where Wildlife Department action has halted cultivation, and on alleged improper silt removal and sand mining around Pimburattawa tank in Dimbulagala affecting farmers and fishers. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Welcoming the measure on salaries and service conditions for Bribery Commission staff, Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran linked Sri Lanka’s economic crisis to both corruption and poor policy decisions, and called for stronger economic planning amid global risks such as possible fuel shortages from Middle East conflict. He urged the Government to prioritize food security by increasing diesel allocations for agricultural machinery, especially in Ampara District, and by urgently importing fertilizer, pesticides and agrochemicals using available Treasury funds. He also requested adequate fuel supplies for fisherfolk, warning that failure to support farmers and fishers could reduce food and fish production and create wider instability. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Nalinda Jayatissa tabled a detailed answer on livestock development instructors and private artificial insemination technicians, including district-wise numbers, fee structures, and conception rates. The response stated that there are 592 livestock development instructors in provincial departments, no contract workers, and that private AI technicians operate as self-employed service providers trained and equipped by the Department. It clarified that AI charges vary by district and provider, second or third inseminations are charged similarly due to recurring semen and transport costs, and animal disease treatment is handled only by veterinary officers with medicine costs charged by provincial departments. The answer further noted that, following COPA instructions, a committee is developing a common methodology and standard protocol for AI fee charging. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka on behalf of the Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for district-wise data on Livestock Development Instructors and contract workers involved in cattle artificial insemination, including how contract workers are paid. He also sought details on fees charged for artificial insemination by instructors and contract workers, whether repeat inseminations carry the same fee, the productivity rate of the service, and whether farm visits by veterinary personnel for animal disease treatment require payments with itemized receipts. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, an answer was tabled stating that from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2025, 125 permits and 229 grants had been issued. It further stated that the Divisional Secretary reported the beneficiaries are developing and using the relevant lands, with an annex provided, and that part (b) was not applicable. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law – Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, responding on behalf of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, provided data on six Civil Defence Force headquarters in the Anuradhapura District, including officer and troop strength totaling 7,895 officers and 6,444 troops. He listed current duties ranging from security, administrative and police station work to archaeological site protection, education support, wildlife duties, construction, and revenue-generating projects, with detailed deployments provided in annexes. He confirmed that the Civil Defence Department operates farms and enterprises, naming several crop and non-agricultural projects, and referred to annexed details on land extents, manpower, income, expenditure, harvests and sales for 2024 and 2025. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary The Minister responded that the concerns and suggestions raised regarding canned fish exporters would be considered by the Government. He stated that the proposals would be taken into account in planning future support and interventions for the industry. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage stated that canned fish imports have fallen by about 90 per cent, from 4,476 metric tons in 2024 to 601 metric tons in 2025, with limited imports retained for domestic and tourist demand. He said local production has increased from 180,000 to over 250,000 cans per day, factories have expanded, and exports to Canada and Middle Eastern markets have begun, with six factories currently involved. He argued that the sector’s growth is creating employment and increasing purchases of fishers’ catch for processing, while noting that the specific impediment raised was unclear. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked supplementary questions on the impact of removing para-tariffs on canned fish imports and rising diesel-related costs for the fisheries sector. He said eight local canned fish producers revived from 2015 are now at risk of closure because imports have become more profitable, while can prices have risen from Rs. 155 to about Rs. 500. He asked the Deputy Minister what measures would protect fishers, consumers, and local producers, ensure fair competition, and sustain livelihoods. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister confirmed that fish had been imported for both local consumption and re-export, and tabled detailed Customs-based annexes on imports, taxes and related data. He provided year-wise figures for canned fish imports, including quantities and values from 2021 to 2025, and local production figures from 2022 to 2026 year-to-date. He also stated that further updated Customs data had been requested for periods not yet covered in the annexes. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to provide detailed data on fish imports from 2021 to date, including type, quantity, value, country of origin, and whether imports were for local consumption or re-export. He further requested annual information on duty revenue, value addition and foreign exchange earnings from re-exports, imports and domestic production of dried fish, sprats, Maldives fish, and canned fish. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna defended the extension of Emergency Regulations as necessary for continuing disaster relief and reconstruction after the November disaster, citing displaced families in relief centres and the need to expedite land acquisition and rebuilding. He rejected Opposition claims that Emergency was being used to enable corruption or suppress dissent, pointing to improvements in Sri Lanka’s corruption ranking and saying protests had been addressed through dialogue. He also highlighted government measures to purchase paddy at guaranteed prices and linked the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme to restoring homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on paddy procurement, alleging that farmers are unable to obtain the promised Rs. 120 per kg guaranteed price and are selling to middlemen at Rs. 70–80 per kg. He sought details on 2025 Yala purchases, expenditure, storage, stock release, losses, and the procurement target and storage arrangements for the 2025/2026 Maha season. He also asked how the guaranteed price was calculated amid rising input costs and crop losses, whether small and medium millers are being involved, and whether the Government plans rice imports in 2026 due to possible production shortfalls. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministry Statements Read →