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- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa JJB AI summary The issue concerns long-standing flooding and underutilized paddy lands in the Ampara area, particularly the lower basin of the Gal Oya near Kittangi bridge and related tanks and anicuts. The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa said that a feasibility study and sustainable scientific plan were proposed at the Ampara District Coordinating Committee meeting attended by the President, who indicated that funds would be allocated. He argued that proper implementation would enable wider paddy cultivation, control floods, and reduce recurrent government expenditure. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, answering on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, said aquatic plants have spread in the Karavahu River and five small tanks and “onion” ponds, obstructing water flow, causing siltation, and reducing storage capacity. He stated that estimates are being prepared and that the Department of Irrigation plans to remove aquatic plants from maintained tanks within the year, subject to requested provisions. In response to a supplementary question, he said machinery issues are being addressed for silt and weed removal, and noted allocations for Gal Oya Project maintenance and rehabilitation, including Rs. 900 million last year and Rs. 500 million this year, with further allocations planned. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about the condition of reservoirs in Karativu, Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai in the Ampara District, citing nutrient contamination, aquatic weed invasion, siltation, reduced depth and loss of water retention capacity contributing to flooding. He requested information on whether assessments of environmental degradation and siltation have been conducted, whether a coordinated programme exists to remove silt and invasive weeds and restore the aquatic ecosystems, and when such work would begin. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister provided tabulated information on major Mahaweli reservoirs and hydropower stations, including installed capacity, Moragahakanda generation from 2020 to March 2026, dates of commencement, approving Presidents, storage capacity, sediment data, and maintenance expenditure from 2021 to 2025. He stated that maintenance and operational activities are carried out periodically, with annual reports recording disaster risks, repairs, and structural stability. He noted that reservoir water releases cannot be made without reliable rainfall quantities and timing, and that sudden high-intensity rainfall floods cannot be fully controlled using current meteorological forecasts. He further stated that major irrigation reservoirs were designed and constructed according to planned engineering standards to withstand probable maximum rainfall, peak flood volumes, and related safety factors. Question No. 01 - 2003/2026 and Question No. 2004/2026 - Hydropower Capacity Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on the Mahaweli Scheme’s hydropower capacity, generation since 2020, commissioning dates, approving Presidents, reservoir sedimentation levels, and dam safety funding over the past five years. He also sought information on measures to balance irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation under changing rainfall patterns, and whether climate-resilience assessments have been conducted for irrigation reliability and flood management. Question No. 01 - 2003/2026 and Question No. 2004/2026 - Hydropower Capacity Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha said the rupee’s depreciation was driven primarily by external geopolitical pressures, higher oil prices and a stronger US dollar, rather than domestic macroeconomic or fiscal policy. He outlined impacts on fuel imports, inflation, trade, tourism and consumption, and said the Government and Central Bank were responding through measured, data-based actions within the flexible inflation-targeting framework. He detailed an additional Rs. 100 billion relief package for fuel, Aswesuma beneficiaries, electricity users, agriculture, fisheries and other affected sectors. He also referred to BOI and Port City investment plans and said the IMF’s fifth and sixth reviews, worth about US$ 700 million, were expected to be considered on 27 May following stronger-than-expected programme performance. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: CESS Phase-out and Currency Depreciation Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the answer was tabled to a question on goraka cultivation. It stated that district-wise estimated cultivation extent for 2025 was provided in an annex and outlined measures to promote cultivation, including export-oriented agricultural villages, market price publicity, free plant distribution, investment support, farmer training, media-based technical guidance, and research dissemination. The final part of the question was recorded as not applicable. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka on behalf of the Hon. B. Ariyawansha AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation seeking data on the extent of land under Garcinia (Goraka) cultivation in Sri Lanka. It also asked whether the Minister acknowledges that cultivators are adversely affected by frequent price fluctuations, and if so, what measures will be taken to address the issue. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan on behalf of the Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation seeking detailed figures on applications and issuance of new land permits under Circular No. 2008/04 in the Lahugala and Pottuvil DS Divisions, including permits applied for, issued, pending, and recommended by the Eastern Province Land Title Settlement Department. It further asks why recommended or applied permits have not been issued and whether steps will be taken to expedite issuance to eligible applicants. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha – Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation AI summary The Minister responded to a multi-part question on Mahaweli projects, stating that relevant annexures had been placed in the Library and that the programme began under President J.R. Jayewardene in 1977. He said information on outstanding domestic and foreign loans must be obtained from the General Treasury, noting that Moragahakanda Hydropower Station revenue is to be used for loan repayment, and cited Rs. 1,600 per hectare as the relevant cost figure. He further stated that costs are not reimbursed, no performance or forensic audit has been conducted on the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, and therefore no audit report is available for submission. Final Parliamentary Items and Adjournment Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for detailed financial and operational information on the Mahaweli Authority up to 31 December 2025. He sought scheme-wise capital expenditure, historical details on the initiation and acceleration of the Mahaweli Project, revenue streams from 2020 to 2025, outstanding debt terms, irrigation maintenance costs and cost recovery, and whether any recent performance or forensic audit report would be tabled in Parliament. Final Parliamentary Items and Adjournment Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara urged the Government to address pension recalculation concerns for war veterans recalled after retirement, linking the issue to the commemoration of those who served in the war. He criticized claims about economic stability and warned against irresponsible governance amid reports of rupee depreciation. He argued that fertilizer subsidies and paddy price claims do not reflect conditions faced by farmers, stating that fertilizer prices have risen sharply, few farmers have received subsidies, and many are selling paddy at lower market prices, and called for practical relief for farmers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary During the debate on regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, Susantha Kumara Nawarathna defended the Government’s handling of fertilizer and rice supply issues amid the Middle East-related economic pressures. He said urea is being distributed at Rs. 10,200 per metric ton through Agrarian Service Centres to cover 65 percent of farmers, with 48,299 metric tons requested and an additional 15,000 metric tons approved for purchase from private firms. He stated that rice imports of Ponni Samba and Kiri Samba had been halted, while existing Paddy Marketing Board stocks would be distributed through cooperative outlets at concessionary prices. He also highlighted the increase of the Yala fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 30,000 per hectare and said paddy prices had been stabilized compared with earlier controlled prices. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Urged the Minister of Agriculture to address the Kiri Samba shortage and prevent price spikes by strengthening Paddy Marketing Board procurement. He also called for maximizing the use of locally procured paddy in market supply through the PMB and the Marketing Board. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran paid tribute to Brigadier Balraj and raised concern over reported deforestation of more than 40 acres near Vavuniya University, urging immediate government action. Addressing regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act, he questioned the rationale for relaxing import controls on Samba and Kiri Samba rice while large quantities of paddy remain in Paddy Marketing Board stores. He asked the Minister to disclose how much of the stored paddy is Samba or Kiri Samba, and called for timely milling, marketing, and fair-price procurement of the current Yala harvest in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya before prioritising further imports. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof stated that closures and a roadblock have disrupted fishing and agriculture in Muthunagar, depriving residents of their livelihoods. He requested Government relief for affected people and called for the roadblock to be removed so fishermen can access the sea. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Rathna Gamage said the import and export control regulations were based on recommendations from the Food Policy and Security Committee and oversight by the Committee on Public Finance, particularly in relation to food security and essential commodities. He argued that the Government is pursuing a production-based economy and cited increased tourism earnings and workers’ remittances, while noting that the 2026 cyclone and Middle East conflict had placed pressure on the rupee in line with regional currency depreciation. He said the Government had responded by absorbing the initial shock through reduced state fuel quotas and cuts to political privileges, and framed the regulations as measures to support production, safeguard food security and stabilize the economy. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised concerns over agricultural lands in Pottuvil, Lahugala and surrounding areas that ceased cultivation during the conflict and were later vested in wildlife, forest and related State institutions, questioning why lands identified for release were refused despite Cabinet decisions and earlier committee recommendations. He requested Government site visits and action to release lands, including about 1,900 acres in Lahugala and areas previously recommended for release for paddy cultivation, so farmers can resume cultivation. He also called for urgent filling of 374 Management Service Officer vacancies in the Eastern Provincial Council and for renewal or reconsideration of river sand permits for long-standing local permit holders in Irakkamam. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka alleged serious irregularities in the release of imported chrysanthemum consignments despite National Plant Quarantine Service findings of live whitefly and rust disease, citing the Plant Protection Act regulations requiring destruction where live insects are detected. He tabled related laboratory reports and claimed that more than 100 containers from the same company had been released despite officers informing authorities, warning of risks to agriculture and exports. He also referred to alleged financial losses from fuel vessel payments and criticized recent rupee depreciation under the Government. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary The member requested action to release additional pasture land, asking that the matter be handled compassionately despite what he described as negligence by the Forest Department. He concluded by urging the relevant authorities to address the issue. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →