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- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath – Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Udawalawa reservoir, constructed in 1968, is a major Mahaweli irrigation system serving agriculture, drinking water supply and hydropower, with a bund-top road gazetted as the B427. He stated that vehicle movement over the bund may affect its integrity, with cracks already observed in surface concrete slabs, and that a technical report is being obtained by the Mahaweli Authority and Irrigation Department. He said only light vehicles and passenger buses are currently permitted, and if studies confirm safety risks, traffic will be stopped and diverted. The Government also plans, with the Road Development Authority, to improve an alternative road below the bund for public use. Adjournment Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised an Adjournment Question to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation on reservoir safety following Cyclone “Diva,” focusing on concerns about the Udawalawa Reservoir after recent spilling. He asked for details on the reservoir’s construction year, objectives, storage capacity and irrigable area, and sought clarification on whether national highways run over reservoir bunds in Sri Lanka. He further questioned whether the main road on the Udawalawa bund poses a safety risk and whether the Ministry has considered alternative arrangements. Adjournment Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi – Minister of Environment AI summary The Minister, replying to Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, reported that Sri Lanka’s 2024 national elephant census recorded at least 7,451 wild elephants, a 26.7% increase from 2011, while also noting changes in tusker and male elephant proportions. He disputed the claim that 2025 had the highest elephant deaths, stating that 2023 recorded 488 deaths, compared with 388 in 2024 and 409 in 2025, and attributed deaths largely to human-elephant conflict, train collisions, and Cyclone Ditta impacts. He outlined Government measures including recruitment and resource provision for wildlife services, railway safety interventions, and 2026 Budget allocations of Rs. 8.55 billion for environmental conservation, Rs. 6.4 billion for wildlife conservation, and Rs. 1 billion for elephant behaviour modification. Adjournment Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the Vaddakkachchi Agriculture School and Farm in Kilinochchi, noting that unlike similar institutions in Thirunelveli, Kundaasale and Vavuniya-Thandikulam, it has been inactive since the 1990s. He said the farm once comprised about 400 acres, employed hundreds of workers, supported seed and livestock development, and contributed to local livelihoods, but that parts of its land are now reportedly occupied by the military and Civil Security Department. He asked the Minister to state the farm’s total acreage, how much land is held by those entities and when it will be returned, and whether the Government will restore the farm and support agricultural research, new seed varieties, livestock breeds, employment and income generation there. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) Read →
- 7 January 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary On behalf of the Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability, Hon. Upul Kithsiri presented the Committee’s report on several referred annual and performance reports relating to national botanic gardens, the Ministry of Environment, the State Timber Corporation, and national zoological gardens. The reports covered periods between 2022 and 2024 and were ordered to lie upon the Table. Papers Presented Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi outlined Sri Lanka’s obligations and actions under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, including the preparation of successive Nationally Determined Contributions, with NDC 3.0 approved by Cabinet in September 2025 for implementation during 2026–2035. He described planned and ongoing measures such as the Carbon Net Zero Roadmap and Strategic Plan for 2050, expanded sectoral coverage under the updated National Adaptation Plan for 2026–2035, and the need for budgetary allocations, technical assessments, monitoring systems, and institutional capacity building. He also emphasized the role of financial mechanisms for adaptation and mitigation and the involvement of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Secretariat, inter-agency task forces, and sectoral committees in implementation and reporting. Questions and Papers (Resumption after Adjournment) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary The member asked the Deputy Minister of Defence to investigate the impact of Air Force bombing exercises in Kalpitiya, citing alleged miscarriages, injuries, deaths, and damage to farming and fishing communities, and requested a safe operating framework. He also called for justice for residents of Ismail Puram and Vattakandal in the Vanathavilluwa Police Division who were arrested after a picket. He urged the Government to expedite pending post-cyclone assistance with clear timelines, noting hardship faced by daily wage earners repeatedly visiting local offices for aid. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the extension of emergency regulations after the Defence Secretary had stated that the disaster situation had ended, arguing that emergency powers were historically used for suppression and were unnecessary for ongoing relief work. He alleged the extension could be intended to curb protests over education reforms or media criticism, and raised concerns about disaster mismanagement, including ignored cyclone warnings, inadequate shelter for displaced people, limited compensation, and insufficient support for affected farmers. He urged the Government to withdraw the emergency and said the Opposition would support genuine relief measures for disaster-affected communities. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister supported the regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that the fisheries community, including fishers in Jaffna, has faced longstanding social and economic marginalization and needs improved security in old age. He said the Government had invited constructive Opposition proposals on the regulations but criticized Opposition speeches as unproductive. He also defended the Government’s education reforms and stated that the Government would remain united in support of the Prime Minister and President. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said the Government had introduced a new fishers’ pension scheme and the “Sayura” emergency insurance programme in its first year, describing them as measures to provide security and professional recognition to the fisheries sector. He outlined the pension contribution options and benefit tiers, invited Opposition proposals to improve the scheme, and said future policy would include formal training to attract educated youth into fisheries. He also reported on Cyclone “Dicha” warnings, damage assessments and compensation measures, including repairs, grants for fishing gear and concessional loans for affected aquaculture sectors. He further stated that the Ministry was assisting Sri Lankan fishers detained in Seychelles and that repairs to damaged radio equipment had been funded. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando welcomed the principle of a fishermen’s pension but disputed claims that the 2025 Government initiated it for the first time, citing earlier schemes and past advocacy by the Opposition. He argued that the proposed contribution and benefit structure gives inadequate returns, questioned non-refundable contributions and Board discretion on refunds, and asked that Government funds—such as savings from abolishing MPs’ pensions—be used to strengthen the scheme. He also raised concerns about unpaid fisheries insurance claims under “Sayura” and asked what diplomatic action had been taken after the Seychelles Coast Guard allegedly set fire to the “Ishani Duwa” trawler and detained its crew. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi JJB AI summary Hon. Nihal Galappaththi welcomed the new regulations on mud crab harvesting as a measure to protect a valuable export resource, while stressing that effective implementation requires continuous monitoring by the Ministry, NAQDA, NARA and fisheries officials to prevent over-extraction during sensitive periods. He also highlighted the introduction of a new pension scheme for those engaged in marine, inland and brackish water fisheries and related activities, describing its flexible contribution levels and lifetime/spousal benefits. He noted that the scheme would extend welfare coverage beyond earlier limited pension and insurance arrangements, including to multi-day vessel crews and aquaculture workers. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha supported further steps under the 2024 Mud Crab Fisheries Management Regulations, presented under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, stating that fisheries development is linked to wider economic activity and investment. He then focused on issues in the Matugama electorate, alleging that the local government mandate had been distorted through political manoeuvring in the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha. He said public services such as waste disposal, road maintenance, drainage, and cemetery upkeep had deteriorated, despite projects worth about Rs. 50 million being implemented through coordinating and provincial funds, and called for those responsible to be held accountable. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana argued that rising diesel and kerosene prices, high VMS-related charges, and maintenance fees are increasing the burden on fishers and called for VMS devices to be provided on easy-payment terms. He raised concerns about the poor condition of Beruwala harbour, declining new entrants to the fisheries sector, and the impact of three-month licence cancellations when vessels are suspected of crossing maritime boundaries. He supported the idea of a fishers’ pension scheme in principle but questioned how an uninterrupted pension could be delivered without EPF/ETF-type contribution structures. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana supported new Regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, arguing that flexible contributions and survivor benefits are needed because fishers are largely informal workers with irregular incomes and limited social protection. He said past schemes had low enrolment and called for stronger outreach, while outlining disaster-related losses to fishing craft in the Eastern Province and government measures to repair or replace vessels and provide gear grants. He also referred to plans to expand Cod Bay harbour with World Bank support, renovate the Trincomalee central fish market, and revive inland fisheries. He concluded by affirming media freedom while stating that media institutions must be accountable for accurate reporting. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan defended the Government’s fisheries policy, rejecting claims made by Namal Rajapaksa and arguing that current measures go beyond previous limited support such as distributing fingerlings after floods. He outlined the proposed fisher pension scheme, including flexible contribution options, beneficiary payments after death, possible linked benefits such as life jackets, and coverage for allied workers in the fisheries value chain. He also referred to storm relief through Cey-Nor, grants for nets, boat repairs, stronger fisheries budget allocations, enforcement of crab size regulations, and the planned “Sayura” insurance scheme providing over Rs. 1 million in death benefits. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa argued that fisheries regulations would be ineffective without practical implementation, citing declines in inland and marine fisheries and asking for a clear plan to restore livelihoods affected by floods, landslides and breaches such as Seruwila and Mawil Aru. He criticized delays and reductions in disaster relief, alleged politically motivated use of police and regulatory bodies, and questioned investigations involving media, drugs, and law enforcement transfers. He demanded accountability from the Education Ministry and the Prime Minister over Grade 6 textbook QR-code content and urged that education reforms reflect labour-market needs while respecting culture and religious advice. He also asked the Government to reconsider transferring Civil Security Department personnel away from their local communities and to address pending Korean employment placements fairly. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary The Hon. Stepni Fernando supported regulations setting a minimum 130 mm carapace width for harvesting, retaining, or exporting mud crabs, arguing that unregulated harvesting has reduced stocks and that breeding, habitat restoration, hatcheries, and lagoon conservation—starting in Negombo—are needed to sustain a valuable export fishery. She also outlined changes to the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme, stating that low uptake would be addressed through easier payments via Fisheries Inspectors and flexible contribution schedules suited to irregular fisher incomes. She said the measures are intended to protect both coastal and inland fishers, including older fishers, while also noting ongoing government support for districts affected by floods and landslides. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal supported the Regulations under the Fisheries Workers’ Pension and Social Protection Scheme, arguing that fisheries is a major economic sector that should be modernized through training, infrastructure, and equipment. He said fishers, particularly low-income and lagoon-based communities in Puttalam and Karpitiya, need pension coverage and social protection, citing recent disaster losses of canoes and nets and the death of a young fisher during floods. He noted proposals such as developing the Karpitiya fishing harbour, building landing sites for lagoon fishers, and providing age- and circumstance-based pension arrangements, while stating that the Government is also providing disaster relief and livelihood support. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran welcomed the fisheries workers’ pension and social protection regulations but urged amendments to make them more practical and adequate for fishers’ livelihoods. He proposed flexible, seasonally aligned contribution payments, partial Government co-responsibility, inflation-indexed pensions and compensation, and updated death and disability benefits. He also questioned provisions that deny compensation where alcohol is cited and argued that the disability criteria should be expanded to cover occupational injuries, illnesses, missing persons, and loss of fitness to work, with reference to international practice and ILO Convention C188. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →