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- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi supported the fisheries regulations, stressing that export sectors such as mud-crab, prawns, cuttlefish and tuna must comply with EU standards to protect foreign exchange earnings, recalling the previous EU fish export ban and its later removal. He criticised the proposed fishermen’s pension arrangements as placing too much cost on fishers and urged a State co-contribution or relief mechanism, including suggesting that MPs’ pensions could be redirected to support the scheme. He also called for diplomatic action over a Sri Lankan vessel reportedly seized and burned in Seychelles, and requested repairs to harbour radio stations and the Southern mobile slipway to support fishermen’s safety and costs. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister sought approval for regulations on mud-crab harvesting, citing NARA guidelines, complaints about undersized and gravid crabs, and the need to meet EU and UN seafood standards to avoid export restrictions linked to IUU fishing and non-compliance. He said the regulations would set standards including a 130 mm minimum carapace width and govern catching, culturing and export to protect resources while sustaining foreign exchange earnings. He also outlined plans to revive an effective fisher pension and social security scheme, noting losses from Cyclone “Ditwah,” including destroyed and damaged boats and three deaths, and said the Government was providing grants, replacement craft and gear. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister moved for approval of regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act relating to the harvesting of mud-crabs, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2371/32 and presented to Parliament in December 2025. He also noted that Parliament would consider regulations under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act and the 2019 Sri Lanka Fisheries Annual Report. Debate: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fishermen's Pension Regulations Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question seeking clarity on the status of Sri Lanka’s trade negotiations with the United States amid indications of a possible March 2026 deadline and the economic impact of Cyclone “Ditwah.” He asked whether talks cover only tariffs or wider areas such as services, investment, digital trade and labour, who is negotiating on Sri Lanka’s behalf, and whether Parliament will be consulted or asked to approve any final agreement. He also sought details on any requests for post-cyclone concessions, preferential tariff treatment comparable to other Asian countries, measures related to the trade imbalance, trade data for 2023-2025, and safeguards for vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, apparel and fisheries. Oral Question under Standing Order 27(2): Trade Negotiations between Sri Lanka and USA (Hon. Ravi Karunanayake) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that two separate programme streams are operating independently, one under the Ministry of Agriculture and another through the Department of National Botanic Gardens, with insufficient coordination between them. He said he could not speak in detail on Agriculture’s procedures but would review shortcomings within his remit and coordinate where necessary. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel questioned the administrative responsibility for floriculture, noting that although the subject was moved from the Ministry of Agriculture to Environment after 2018, growers still depend largely on the Department of Agriculture due to implementation gaps. She cited areas including Haputale, Diyatalawa, Bindunuwewa and Kegalle District where growers lack adequate technical advice and local officer support, and asked whether floriculture would be returned to Agriculture or an effective programme established under Environment. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel raised concerns about the floriculture sector in Badulla District, citing staff shortages in areas such as Welimada, Haputale, Diyatalawa and Bandarawela, where only 39 of 79 required workers are in place and research capacity is limited to two researchers. She asked whether there is a recruitment plan to fill these gaps and whether support mechanisms can include growers who are retirees or government employees, who she said are often excluded from assistance. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment responded to a question on cut flower imports, stating that import data are sourced from Customs and the Plant Quarantine Division, while the Department of National Botanic Gardens issues recommendations for cut flower imports. He said annual expenditure on imported flowers is approximately Rs. 746 million, and identified several imported varieties that can be grown locally, including rose, carnation, gerbera, hydrangea, anthurium, orchids and lilies. He outlined ongoing support to small and medium growers through the “Suwahas Mal” project and tabled a strategic plan proposing technical and financial assistance, grower cooperatives, a national flower auction, and model floriculture parks in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla to develop domestic cut-flower production. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary The Hon. Ambika Samivel asked the Minister of Environment to provide details on cut flowers and plants imported into Sri Lanka, including the types, annual quantities by type, and annual import costs. She also sought clarification on whether these imported varieties could be cultivated locally and, if so, what programme has been prepared to support such cultivation; if not, she requested the reasons. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked about compensation for fishermen in the Pottuvil DS Division whose boats and engines were lost or damaged during the mini-cyclone of 26 November 2024, with reported losses of Rs. 900,000 to Rs. 2,000,000 each. He noted that despite visits by the Deputy Minister and officials, no compensation had been paid, and requested confirmation on compensation and loan facilities to help the affected fishermen resume their livelihoods. Oral Question: Fishermen in Pottuvil DS Division - Provision of Facilities (Q.1397/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Fishermen across Sri Lanka were affected by Cyclone “Boo” and related severe weather, with particular concern for heavily affected districts such as Mannar. The Minister stated that Divisional Secretaries in the relevant areas had been instructed to provide necessary assistance and relief to affected fishermen. Oral Question: Fishermen in Pottuvil DS Division - Provision of Facilities (Q.1397/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised a supplementary question on the impact of recent nationwide floods on fishermen, particularly in Ampara District areas including Maruthamunai, Kalmunai, Sainthamaruthu, Nintavur, Attalaichenai, Akkaraipattu, Thirukkovil, Pottuvil, Komari, and Panama. He asked whether the Government would provide grants or loans to restore livelihoods and compensate income losses, and sought clarification on how affected fishermen could access such assistance. Oral Question: Fishermen in Pottuvil DS Division - Provision of Facilities (Q.1397/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister outlined measures to address conflicts between tourism activities and fishing operations in the Arugam Bay area, including a proposed relocation of the fishing pier to Kudakalliya subject to a feasibility study funded under the 2026 Budget. He detailed related land acquisition, access road, lagoon development, dredging permit, boundary demarcation, and fish stocking activities, while noting further information-gathering for Rottai, R.M. Nagar and Komari. He also said 75,000 fishing nets worth Rs. 500 million received as Chinese grant assistance are being distributed to 12,500 fishermen in selected districts, with additional support planned through local production of boats and nets and concessional State bank financing. Oral Question: Fishermen in Pottuvil DS Division - Provision of Facilities (Q.1397/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources whether the Ministry is aware of conflicts between fishermen and tourists on beaches in the Pottuvil Divisional Secretary’s Division arising from boat use. He sought information on proposed measures including construction of a fishing pier and fishing village at Kudakalliya, development of lagoons in Arugam Bay, Rottai, R.M. Nagar and Komari, and provision of suitable boats and fishing gear for sea and lagoon fishermen. Oral Question: Fishermen in Pottuvil DS Division - Provision of Facilities (Q.1397/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented the 2019 Annual Report of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation and the 2023 Annual Report of the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka. He moved that the reports be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability of Resources, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Presidential Message, Auditor-General Reports, and Annual Reports Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara rejected accusations that the Opposition was being destructive, stating that it was supporting disaster relief efforts and the Disaster Management Centre. He argued that the Meteorology Department had issued timely warnings before the disaster, tabled a statement from the Sri Lanka Association of Meteorologists, and called for officials, including the Director General of Meteorology, not to be intimidated. He urged support for affected businesses through concessional loans, requested investigations into alleged fraud in children’s medicines and the suspension of Dr. Bellana, and alleged irregularities in maize import licensing that he said were inflating prices and disadvantaging small poultry farmers. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara argued that the Government should focus on systematic flood management and immediate disaster recovery rather than politicizing past river and Mahaweli-related development. He questioned why 6,000 affected families in Anuradhapura were excluded from the Rs. 25,000 grant and asked that all eligible victims be paid, while also proposing relief or waivers for high December water bills incurred by flood-affected households cleaning their homes. He called for better handling of partial agricultural damage compensation, criticized ceremonial distribution of death certificates, and alleged irregularities in a Police procurement of plates and cups at inflated prices. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government was preparing for both post-flood recovery and a possible dry season, noting a forecast 15 per cent rainfall reduction, the need for crop insurance, disease prevention, resettlement, road clearance, tank repairs and food security. He rejected Opposition allegations that relief had not been provided, saying the Government had mounted a major operation within about 20 days after unprecedented nationwide flooding that caused nearly 700 deaths and left many missing. He emphasized the cultural and economic importance of village tanks, citing more than 630 breaches in Anuradhapura and the use of over 150,000 sandbags to repair 65 tanks, while thanking farmers, villagers, the tri-forces, Police and Civil Security personnel for supporting repairs during the Maha cultivation season. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe supported the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate for relief and reconstruction following Cyclone “Dicha,” stating that the allocation specifies how funds will be used to compensate affected communities and rebuild damaged areas. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government had prior knowledge of the threat and failed to act, arguing that seasonal rainfall risks had been discussed through official channels, including the Food Policy and Security Committee on 23 November and briefings by the Meteorological Department at the start of the Maha season. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda supported the supplementary estimate for disaster relief, noting that Parliament had convened at the Opposition’s request and commending the tri-forces, public officials, health workers and citizens for their response, particularly in Galle. He acknowledged shortcomings in early warning, preparedness and rescue capacity, and urged the Government to empower officials and avoid politicized interference in administration. He proposed stronger land-use and environmental protection laws, better enforcement of soil conservation measures, urgent agricultural support including short-duration seeds and fertilizer, assistance to damaged small rice mills, prudent planning for possible rice imports, rapid restoration of tourism sites, and action on issues at Pulmoddai mineral sands. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →