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- 26 November 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary A Committee Report was presented to the House by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or debate contribution was made beyond indicating that the report had been submitted. Adjournment Debate: Grant of Freehold Deeds to Occupants of State Lands Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar criticised the Opposition’s contributions to the debate on the Ministries of Digital Economy, Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, and Science and Technology, saying they lacked substantive proposals for the fisheries sector and focused instead on personal and communal attacks. He rejected allegations that the JVP was racist, stating that the party had treated Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim citizens equally and citing its electoral support in Jaffna and Vanni. He concluded by thanking Members who contributed constructively and the ministry officials and parliamentary staff who supported the preparation and conduct of the debate. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said Northern and Eastern fisheries once contributed a major share of national fish production, but fishers now remain economically vulnerable due to debt, dependence on boat owners and private financiers, lack of price support, and limited cold-chain facilities. He urged the Ministry to establish a government fish purchasing scheme, restore or support insurance premium sharing, and provide compensation mechanisms for losses such as nets destroyed by Indian trawlers or rough seas. He also called for improved education facilities, including nurseries and schools, in fishing communities as part of broader livelihood upliftment. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage said the Government has introduced a national science and technology policy to guide research and development, acknowledging expert contributions and responding to Opposition questions on policy coordination. She stated that Cabinet approval has been obtained to seek investors for the Eppawala phosphate project, with 14 expressions of interest, and that Phase 1 work on sulphuric acid is underway. She outlined 2026 priorities including the Vidatha Action Plan, upgrading 73 Vidatha Resource Centres, expanding STEM and Young Inventors’ Clubs from 100 to 1,000 schools, and strengthening university–Vidatha and private-sector R&D collaboration. She also cited a planned zero-budget central cinnamon processing facility in Karandeniya under the Industrial Technology Institute’s zero-waste concept, emphasizing technology transfer, value addition, and “lab into market” implementation. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Fisheries Minister to address Batticaloa fishers’ needs by restarting the idle Kallady ice factory, ensuring non-partisan distribution of fishing gear, providing relief during flood-affected periods, and constructing landing jetties in coastal areas including Vakarai, Kaluvankerny, Navalady and Kallady. He also called for fisheries issues in the district to be handled promptly and beyond party lines. He further urged the Ministers responsible for education, vocational training, science and technology, and the digital economy to embed science and technology in schools, universities, factories and farms, modernize institutions such as the Valaichchenai Paper Mill and Karadianaru Farm, and use skills training to create employment for unemployed diploma holders, graduates and engineers. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu JJB AI summary Kanthasamy Prabu supported Budget 2026 allocations for developing the Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour, noting earlier requests for expansion, lighting, and facilities, and asked the Fisheries Minister to consider a feasibility study for a new harbour at Palchenai in Vakarai to assist deep-sea fishers facing long travel, rough seas, low incomes, and inadequate berthing space. He also requested safety measures for inland fishers affected by crocodile and elephant attacks, increased support for fingerling production, livelihood assistance, and fishing gear. Addressing science, technology, and the digital economy allocations, he urged district-level vocational and multidisciplinary training, improved Vidatha Resource Centres, and support for youth inventors, entrepreneurs, and researchers, while also calling for protection of Batticaloa antiquity sites to promote tourism. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe emphasized the economic importance of the fisheries sector in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and called for improved harbour infrastructure, particularly the completion of coastal protection works and operationalization of the Oluvil Fisheries Harbour. He argued that making the harbour functional would support deep-sea fishing, exports, local livelihoods, and national income. He also requested urgent compensation and relief for fishers in Ampara District affected by the 2024 floods and the ongoing flooding, noting damage to boats and fishing gear in areas including Pottuvil, Akkaraipattu, Thirukkovil, Oluvil, and Addalaichenai. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah welcomed the Rs. 350 million allocation in the 2026 Budget for expanding the Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour, noting its importance to fishers in Batticaloa and Ampara, and urged continued investment in fisheries safety, equipment, inland fisheries support, housing, water, education, and healthcare. He requested specific facilities including an ice factory at Oluvil, anchorage and fishermen’s village facilities around Ullai and Kattukalai, surveys and support for fishing areas in Pottuvil, a jetty at Manchanthoduwai, and a bund across Meeravodai in Ottamavadi. He also urged the Digital Economy and Science and Technology Ministries to prioritize the Eastern Province by improving broadband and fibre connectivity, establishing innovation and advanced technology centres in Batticaloa, and expanding startup incubation, ICT training, BPO, and IT service centres to create employment. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa highlighted climate change, monsoon flooding, and rough seas as major pressures on fishers and farming communities in the Ampara District, noting recent evacuations and the need for facilities and relief for affected residents. He supported the 2026 Budget allocation of nearly Rs. 350 million for Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour, called for restoration of Oluvil Harbour, and urged re-establishment of radio communication systems for the Ampara–Kalmunai fishing fleet. He said the Government had acted with the Fisheries Ministry and Tri-Forces to stop fish piracy in Eastern waters and outlined plans for digital technologies, aquaculture, and inland freshwater fish production to strengthen the fisheries sector. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised concerns about freshwater fishers in Batticaloa, arguing that the revised fingerling subsidy and pricing model leaves fishermen’s societies unable to meet the planned Rs. 8.4 million stocking programme, and urged the Government to restore the previous system of lower-priced fingerlings or additional subsidized supplies. He also asked the Deputy Minister to address access issues at the Valaichchenai shore, where he alleged a private party linked to former State Minister Pillayan had fenced off boat-berthing areas. He further highlighted the arrest of a fishermen’s society chairman over an archaeological monuments allegation and questioned the unauthorized operation of fisheries fuel sheds in Kalluvankerny and Palamunai-madu after agreements had expired, asking whether irregularities or corruption were being allowed. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam highlighted the dependence of North and East communities on fisheries, agriculture and livestock, and thanked the Government and Eastern Province Governor for progressing funding for a bridge between Kaluvankeni and Punnakkuda to assist fishers during the monsoon. He said decisions from a District Development Committee meeting on fisheries had not been implemented, particularly the request for marine-grade beacon lights at key coastal locations to guide small boats returning offshore. He noted that only inadequate solar lights had been received despite claims of funding, and sought fulfilment of the State Minister’s assurance to provide proper beacon lights. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana argued that the Government has failed to support fishing communities, particularly in Negombo and surrounding areas, citing unpaid X-Press Pearl compensation, high fuel and operating costs, and reduced boat activity. He called for alternatives before banning winches in madal operations, stronger action against illegal offshore gear, consultation before expanding VMS/transponder requirements, and a programme to support fisher families during weather-related fishing bans. He also urged investment in coastal school resources and implementation of a Negombo lagoon development programme to support both fisheries and tourism. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan said the Fisheries Ministry has a comprehensive plan to revive and modernize the sector, including reactivating multi-day vessels, reducing fuel costs for boats, and strengthening institutions such as Cey-Nor, North Sea Ltd., NARA and NAQDA. He outlined planned infrastructure work, including new jetties in Wellamankara, a feasibility study for Halawatha, and funds for Kalpitiya harbour next year. He said the Government would regulate stake-net and light-coarse fishing to protect small fishers and the marine environment, and would introduce a new Fisheries Act to replace fragmented amendments. He also highlighted plans to expand prawn farming, dried fish, ornamental fish and other export-oriented aquaculture activities. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy urged more equitable allocations for fisheries, arguing that the Puttalam District and lagoon-based fisheries had been neglected despite their contribution to livelihoods and foreign exchange. He called for tax relief on boats, engines, nets, fuel and other inputs, improved disaster and emergency rescue systems including ambulance-type high-speed boats and helicopter support, and action on a missing fisher from Halawatha. He also requested a phased approach rather than an immediate ban on tractors with winches used by stake-net operators, a fundamental redesign of the proposed fisher pension scheme, better export market mechanisms, and fisheries infrastructure development across all coastal regions rather than selected areas. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised fisheries issues affecting Trincomalee, chiefly the licensed use of ring seine nets for tuna and the ambiguity in the “beyond seven nautical miles” condition, which he said leads to enforcement conflicts and many court cases. He requested amendments to licence conditions or, if ring seine use cannot continue, alternative training and technology support for affected fishing communities. He also sought payment of pending fuel and kerosene subsidies, permits for long-standing basket-trap fishers in the Kokkilai lagoon area, and relief and livelihood support for fishers affected by floods, seasonal income loss, housing needs, and children’s education. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando proposed digitizing Parliament alongside the digital economy agenda, arguing that Hansards, Gazettes, and other parliamentary documents should be distributed electronically to reduce waste. He sought clarification on the Fisheries Ministry’s Rs. 100 million allocation for satellite-based oceanographic information, urging the Government to seek Indian ISRO support for systems such as NavIC and GAGAN to improve fisher safety, rescue coordination, and identification of fishing grounds. He also asked the Fisheries Minister whether a requested report on banning winches in stake-net fishing had been submitted, and called for a grace period while alternatives are developed. He further raised concerns over an alleged illegal rice import linked to a private entity using the name “United Nations Human Rights Organization,” calling for enforcement of licensing laws, release of the full audio recording, and clear answers regarding the relevant container and impact on local paddy farmers. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Stefanie Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stefanie Fernando outlined government programmes to develop marine, inland and ornamental fisheries, including releasing up to 80 million fingerlings into tanks, canal and lagoon restoration, hatchery development, fish feed support, and expansion into mud crab, prawn, seaweed and cold-water ornamental fish production. She said NAQDA, NARA and other agencies are coordinating training, data-based planning, export facilitation, land access and environmental clearances, with particular initiatives in Nuwara Eliya and the North and East. She also referred to proposed life insurance and pension schemes for fishers, VMS and possible CCTV for multi-day vessels to address illicit activity concerns, and a partnership with Dialog to provide information on fishing grounds. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir urged the Government to allocate funds to rehabilitate and develop the Oluvil Harbour for fisheries, noting its importance to deep-sea vessel owners in Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai and the potential benefit to more than 25,000 people. He said fishers affected by the 2024 floods and rough seas had still not received relief, and called for support during seasonal rough-sea periods, preservation facilities at Eastern landing sites, and delivery of long-promised landing sites in areas such as Kinniya. He also requested restoration of the non-functional Sainthamaruthu telecommunications tower and provision of satellite connectivity for deep-sea fishers to improve safety and reduce costly search-and-rescue operations. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe called for faster provision of fish-location technology to fishers and urged merit-based appointments and private-sector involvement in science and technology institutions to accelerate commercialization and avoid prolonged, outdated research. He proposed reviving and expanding the “Shilpa Sena” district exhibition programme to disseminate technology, including to rural youth and sectors such as agriculture. He also challenged Government claims on education funding, citing reductions in several capital allocations and student support programmes, and urged the Government to honour its education commitments or state openly if it cannot. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa called for a comprehensive new fisheries policy focused on sustainable stock management, fisher livelihoods, anti-IUU enforcement, digital monitoring systems, aquaculture, infrastructure, export value addition, and blue economy financing. He said the sector contributes only 0.9 per cent to GDP despite Sri Lanka’s large maritime and inland water resources, and urged the Government to deliver promised fuel relief to fishing communities while offering support for a successful national policy. He also outlined proposals to build a US$ 25–30 billion digital economy by 2030 through upgraded connectivity, cloud and data infrastructure, AI and IT skills development, district-level IT investment zones, digital ID, digital public services, and inter-agency data sharing. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →