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- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister answered on behalf of the Minister regarding Agricultural Research and Production Assistants, stating that ARPA ranges have been established across one or more Grama Niladhari Divisions, with staffing in all provinces except where cadre limits affect the Northern and Eastern Provinces. He said ARPAs serve under the Department of Agrarian Development, report to the Agrarian Development Officer, and perform duties assigned under the 2013 recruitment procedure and the Agrarian Development Act No. 46 of 2000, though they have not been assigned research activities so far. He further stated that district offices have been instructed on performance evaluation procedures, ARPAs collect field-level data and coordinate projects, and detailed annexes on staffing, duties, and appraisal formats have been tabled in the Library. Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on Agricultural Research and Production Assistants appointed at Grama Niladhari Division level, including their district-wise numbers, departmental affiliation, supervision, duties, duty lists, and current research work. She also sought information on whether their performance is reviewed, what progress their services have contributed to agriculture, and whether steps will be taken to use them for regular field inspections to address sectoral issues. Oral Question: Agricultural Research and Production Assistants (Q.913/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana asked about Government support for fishers, noting that the kerosene subsidy had been provided only once in the past one and a half years. He also sought an update on the outcome of discussions following protests by fishers outside the Presidential Secretariat over permission to continue beach-seine operations using winches. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana asked what mechanism the Government will use to ensure uninterrupted diesel and kerosene supplies for fishers amid panic buying and restrictions on issuing fuel into cans and barrels. He noted that fishers depend on fuel from harbours and portable containers, and sought clarification on arrangements for both the current stock period and after new consignments arrive, recalling the severe impact of past fuel shortages during the economic crisis. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources reported that Sri Lanka’s fishing industry includes marine fisheries, inland fisheries and aquaculture, with about 320,470 active fishers in 2024. He stated that, due to the hazardous nature of the sector, two personal insurance schemes are being implemented through the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and the Social Security Board, including accident, disability, death, hospitalization and other benefits. He also noted that a new contributory Fisher Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme was launched on 21 November 2025, offering lifetime pensions from age 60 and lump-sum benefits for disability or death, with amendments proposed to extend future pension benefits to spouses. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana asked the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to state the number of persons currently engaged in Sri Lanka’s fishing industry. He also asked whether the Government accepts the need for an insurance scheme for fishermen’s protection and what steps will be taken to introduce a pension scheme for them. Oral Question: Generators Facilitating Cooling at Norochcholai Power Plant (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure presented the Coconut Development Authority’s Annual Report for 2022. He moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Use of Resources, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Regulations, Reports and Orders Tabled Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran warned that the CEB’s proposed 13.56 per cent tariff increase and losses linked to coal procurement would place a further burden on low-income consumers, and called for a proper mechanism for coal imports and electricity generation. He urged the Government to protect the jobs of about 23,000 CEB employees amid unbundling, remove dangerous electricity poles in Ampara and Batticaloa, and expedite delayed new electricity connections. He also requested paddy drying facilities, concessionary electricity, and fair procurement prices for farmers affected by heavy rains in those districts. Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa provided data showing agricultural employment declined from 28.7% in 2015 to 26.0% in 2024, while services employment rose to 48.5%, attributing the shift to expanded industry and services opportunities, higher education, and instability in agriculture. He said the Government is implementing the “Dawn of Revival” food crop promotion programme under the “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” policy framework, covering rice production, seed security, mechanization, soil nutrient management, protected-house cultivation, value addition and selected food crops. He also cited a Rs. 750 million 2026 credit line for youth entrepreneurs and Department of Agriculture programmes through youth farmer organizations, school clubs, training, technology promotion and market linkage initiatives to attract young people to agriculture. Oral Questions on Tourism, Agriculture and Deferred Question (Q.883/2025) Read →
- 20 February 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide annual data from 2015 to the present on the percentage of employment in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector. He also sought reasons for any decline in agricultural employment and asked whether programmes have been formulated to attract youth to the sector, requesting details if such programmes exist or reasons if they do not. Oral Questions on Tourism, Agriculture and Deferred Question (Q.883/2025) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister provided figures showing 935 beach-seine licences issued across fisheries districts and outlined the permits, registration requirements, and licence conditions under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and related regulations. He stated that mechanized craft or equipment are not permitted for beach-seine operations under the 1984 Beach-Seine Regulations, and that temporary permissions granted in 2015-2016 for winch use in some districts were later suspended due to coastal damage and other adverse impacts. He added that, following a 13 February 2026 discussion with the President and the All-Island Beach-Seine Association, a multi-agency committee with association representation would conduct a field study on the matter. Adjournment Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Stepni Fernando asked the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources for details on traditional beach-seine (madäl) fishing, including where it is practiced and whether a licensing system and conditions apply. She sought clarification on whether tractors and winches are permitted or prohibited, the period and number of permissions granted if applicable, and the reasons for any current restrictions. She also asked what steps the Government will take to address fishermen’s concerns and whether scientific methods and regulated distances from shore govern the use of mechanized equipment. Adjournment Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the amendment Bill addressing narcotics control, citing National Dangerous Drugs Control Board 2024 arrest figures and stressing the impact of drugs, especially methamphetamine, on youth, families, education and public health. He called for stronger action against illicit alcohol in rural areas, higher penalties for producers and distributors, and a comprehensive framework including awareness, counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration facilities, particularly in every Divisional Secretariat division in Batticaloa District. He also urged immediate compensation for Batticaloa farmers affected by recent rains, the Titli cyclone’s aftermath, and elephant incursions damaging paddy fields. Debate: Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said the seating arrangements for his party’s two allocated parliamentary seats were an internal matter and rejected concerns raised by Hon. Archchuna about Hon. Sritharan occupying a front-row seat. He then raised an issue affecting Batticaloa farmers, stating that their insurance had been suspended and that it had been announced from the 11th that no insurance coverage was available. Procedural: Points of Order on Standing Orders and Party Representation Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about Mahaweli land allocation in the North and East, alleging demographic impacts on traditionally Tamil areas and questioning compliance with ethnic-ratio requirements under the 13th Amendment. He requested district-wise and community-wise details of land allocations, beneficiary families, and the extent and methodology of settlements under projects such as Kivul Oya, System “L”, and a proposed Mahaweli “C-a” area. He also asked about the status of farmlands and pasturelands in Mayilathamadu and Mathavanai, measures to prevent displacement or marginalization of local communities, and relief for Batticaloa farmers affected by flooding and crop insurance issues. Oral Question: Hospital Attendants Shortage and Mahaweli Land Allocation (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that NAMSL is intended to provide orderly and uniform facilities for traders, farmers and consumers, and to ease business rather than obstruct it. He said existing shop operators would be allowed to continue under five-year lease renewals, with rent revisions every three years based on government valuations and agreed terms. He also noted that a management committee including local administrative officials, trade and farmer representatives, Police and a bank had been appointed to regularize operations, and rejected allegations that the institution would act against traders. Oral Question: Kaduruwela Market Complex (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the National Agri Market Services Limited had been legally regularized through a fresh Cabinet Memorandum and is a fully state-owned company under the Secretary to the Treasury. He argued that its purpose is to manage 18 economic centres uniformly, citing alleged misuse of state-owned shop rooms, including subletting, sales, and use by a bank at Kurunduwatta. He stated that board appointments are finalized by the Treasury Secretary and that tender-related decisions are implemented through the Ministry Secretary. Oral Question: Kaduruwela Market Complex (Q.) Read →
- 19 February 2026 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake questioned the Minister on the decision to register National Agri Market Services Limited under the Companies Act to manage economic centres, noting that these centres had previously operated under the Ministry of Trade, Government Agents and Divisional Secretaries. He raised concerns about the appointment and backgrounds of the company’s directors and stated that traders in Thambuttegama, Keppetipola, Nuwara Eliya and Dambulla were opposing the move, including through legal action. He asked whether the Minister would proceed with the company despite this opposition. Oral Question: Kaduruwela Market Complex (Q.) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara raised concerns about Civil Security Department personnel being transferred far from their home districts with inadequate allowances, and requested fair treatment for long-serving officers. He asked for transitional relief for over-30 Postal Department substitutes and for public servants who completed degrees late due to COVID-19 and the economic crisis to be eligible for graduate teaching recruitment. Addressing the SCL Gazette on levies for items such as potatoes and onions, he supported farmer protection but called for seasonally informed, data-based rates and a transparent mechanism to use levy revenue to support farmers while stabilizing consumer prices. He also highlighted falling paddy prices in Anuradhapura and asked when funded paddy dryers would be installed and made operational. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the use of Special Commodity Levy regulations to manage imports and encourage local production of items such as onions and potatoes, but argued that levies alone cannot achieve self-sufficiency. He called for broader farmer support, including fertilizer subsidies, timely paddy procurement payments, effective crop insurance, and action on human–wildlife conflict. He also urged the Government to use the Indian grant for developing Kankesanthurai Port to reduce transport costs and improve the northern economy. Debate: Special Commodity Levy Act, Customs Ordinance Resolution, and Motor Traffic Act Orders (Continuation) Read →