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- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath raised concerns that permitting rice imports, including a licence for 1,040 metric tons of Ponni rice, could undermine local paddy farmers amid high production costs and unsold stocks, and urged the Government to ensure fair Paddy Marketing Board procurement and prioritize domestic production. He also referred to Mullivaikkal remembrance events, calling for justice, a political solution for Tamil people, and Provincial Council elections, while welcoming development approvals following the President’s visit to Batticaloa. He further requested action on district land and security-related issues, including the Thandiyadi STF camp, archaeology and forest department disputes, and additional pastureland allocations for livestock in Batticaloa. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama supported regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that import controls and temporary rice imports were needed to stabilize food supply and prices while moving toward a production-based, self-reliant economy. He said limited imports of Ponni Samba similar to Keeri Samba were permitted under licence to address shortages, while the Government had increased support for paddy farmers, moderated price volatility, and reduced retail prices of some rice and food items. He also cited measures in Matara District to restore uncultivated land affected by salinity in the Nilwala River area, including canal clearing, salinity barriers, and Rs. 1,200 million in compensation to farmers. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said rural poverty eradication remains a government priority and noted that the 2025 Rural Development Bureau, initially funded with Rs. 1 billion, has been expanded into the “Praja Shakthi” National Movement. He stated that the programme aims to avoid weaknesses of earlier initiatives while adopting their strengths, using a participatory approach to reduce dependency and empower rural communities. He also said Rs. 25,000 million has been allocated for rural development this year, with implementation to be coordinated across ministries, Provincial Councils and local authorities. Oral Question Q.1770/2025: Rural Development Bureau Projects in Batticaloa District Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri defended the Government’s response to the Middle East war-related crisis, citing a Rs. 100 billion relief package and increases to Aswesuma, fertilizer subsidies, and fuel and vessel support for fishers. He rejected opposition claims regarding unpaid allowances, lack of cyclone assistance, and non-payment of fertilizer subsidies in Polonnaruwa, providing figures on payments and fertilizer distribution. He argued that the Government inherited a bankrupt and halted economy in 2024, but has since improved economic conditions and public confidence, while criticizing the opposition’s conduct and asserting the Government’s commitment to village-level development. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. R. M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Central Bank report for 2025 shows broad improvement in economic indicators compared with 2024, while also identifying sectoral setbacks, including declines after the November natural disaster that affected tourism, construction, and development work. He rejected opposition criticism as not grounded in the report and said the Government had stabilized the economy while managing debt-service obligations and increasing scholarships, child benefits, public-sector salaries, and pensions. He cited Northern development initiatives including the Northern Coconut Triangle, fisheries harbour development, and over Rs. 5,000 million for road projects, and said the Government was preparing for 2026 by addressing disaster impacts and external energy shocks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila defended the government’s handling of the 2025 economy during the debate on the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review, rejecting Opposition claims of economic collapse and instability in the exchange rate. He cited public sector salary increases, estate worker wage increases, grassroots programmes such as Praja Shakthi, and May Day participation as evidence of public support and policy delivery. He outlined plans to strengthen village economies, agriculture, dairy production, and livestock, including raising daily milk output from about 1 million to 3 million litres and bringing fallow fields back into cultivation. He also emphasized national reconciliation among Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities as part of economic recovery. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera defended the Government’s 2025 economic programme, arguing that reserves in the previous period were built through debt non-servicing, import controls, and stalled development, while the current administration used reserves to resume debt servicing, lift restrictions, restart development projects, and expand employment. He said the Government had chosen a people-centred path different from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s approach, citing higher-than-expected growth and improvements in governance indicators, including the Corruption Perceptions Index. He also rejected Opposition claims on fertilizer support and housing, asserting that agriculture inputs had been provided through official systems and criticizing unfinished housing projects from the Opposition Leader’s tenure. He urged the Opposition to act responsibly in the current global and domestic economic context. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Government’s presentation of the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review, arguing that claimed economic improvements are not felt by the public amid rupee depreciation, higher taxes, and rising prices of essentials. He compared the situation to the Gotabaya Rajapaksa period, questioned the Government’s record on production, reserves, and completed development projects, and said farmers are facing higher fertilizer costs, shortages, and inadequate crop prices. He further alleged politicization of public administration, underutilization of capital allocations, rising poverty, and policy uncertainty, while warning that agricultural output may decline. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe rejected Opposition claims on poverty, vehicle letters of credit, and the e-passport tender, stating that official clarifications and available data contradicted those allegations. He argued that Sri Lanka’s economy, weakened over decades of rule by previous administrations, had now achieved macroeconomic stabilization recognized by the World Bank, ADB, and IMF. He cited projected GDP growth, a per capita GDP above USD 5,000, sectoral expansion, a primary surplus, and a current account surplus as evidence of recovery, while noting tourism disruptions from Middle East conflict and plans to focus on Indian and Chinese markets. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe disputed Opposition claims about fertilizer shortages, stating that fertilizer is available for the Yala season and arrangements, including discussions with Russia, are being made for Maha supplies, while alleging some stocks have been hoarded. He challenged claims of poor-quality fertilizer by asking the Opposition to present laboratory evidence and testing criteria. He also rejected claims that health services in Polonnaruwa had collapsed, citing government efforts to secure 16 new catheterization laboratories through the ADB and donors, and referred members to the Central Bank report as evidence of progress. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem argued that despite large allocations for post-“Ditva” cyclone recovery, implementation remains inadequate, citing unresolved relocation needs for 25 affected schools in Kandy and delays in technical assessments. He raised concerns over paddy farmers in Ampara being unable to sell harvests at fair prices and facing shortages and high open-market prices for urea despite subsidies. He also warned that rupee depreciation, limited Central Bank intervention under IMF conditions and the CBSL Act, and high fuel import spending could worsen inflation and growth pressures, calling for immediate government measures. He further requested an investigation into allegations that companies opened letters of credit for thousands of vehicle imports just before a Customs duty surcharge, suggesting possible misconduct similar to past duty-related windfalls. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage JJB AI summary All fertilizer required for the Yala season has been imported, and distribution is currently underway. The member stated that relevant data can be provided if required and assured Parliament that there will be no fertilizer shortage in the country. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson questioned the timing of fertilizer distribution for the Yala season, noting that farmers had begun land preparation about a month earlier without urea. He urged the Government to ensure that the fertilizer said to have arrived is distributed to farmers without delay. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage stated that the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Economic Review showed economic stabilization in the NPP Government’s first full year, citing projected 5 percent real GDP growth, low inflation, a current account surplus, higher tourism earnings, remittances, FDI, and improved revenue collection. He defended increased fertilizer subsidies for farmers, saying the subsidy rose to Rs. 30,000 per hectare and that fertilizer for the Yala season had been imported, while rice prices remained relatively stable. He also noted debt repayments, the reopening of vehicle imports, and allocations for social welfare, including relief for damage from the “Ditva” cyclone and support to cushion global energy price shocks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson raised concerns about healthcare access, citing a letter from the Anuradhapura Medical Officer stating that its MRI machine had been nonfunctional for six months and that Polonnaruwa patients should not be referred there. He also urged the Government to address farmers’ grievances, warning that unresolved agricultural issues could lead to serious political and social consequences. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about the lack of fertilizer supply and called for verification of fertilizer quality, contrasting the current situation with previous availability of both organic and chemical fertilizer. He defended the Opposition Leader’s focus on public grievances and said the Opposition would acknowledge positive government action while highlighting continuing issues. He also cited problems in Polonnaruwa’s health sector, including the absence of an MRI scanner at the General Hospital, forcing patients to travel to Anuradhapura. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns about a fertilizer shortage affecting paddy farmers in Polonnaruwa, stating that farmers had paid Rs. 23,875 but were not receiving the promised quantity of fertilizer. He urged the Government to release the funds or fertilizer immediately through farmer organizations and questioned how farmers could meet recommended fertilizer requirements if only part of the needed amount is supplied. He said delayed fertilizer support threatens Yala cultivation, rice supply, and the wider economy, and proposed ensuring that quality fertilizer is available in the market by the Maha season, referring to the Opposition’s proposal to provide a fertilizer bag at Rs. 5,000 rather than free fertilizer. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha rejected the Opposition Leader’s claim that fertilizer is unavailable, stating that the Government has expanded the tea fertilizer concession from once to twice a year. He also argued that the Government has restored a strong economic foundation capable of withstanding global conflicts, citing recognition by the IMF, World Bank, and ADB. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha argued that the Government had stabilized and improved the economy after the 2022 crisis, citing resumed foreign debt payments, GDP growth above 5 percent, higher per capita GDP, growth across agriculture, industry and services, and recovery in tourism and worker remittances. He said the Treasury position had improved from a large overdraft to a surplus, enabling the Government to allocate around Rs. 500 billion for relief after the “Ditva” cyclone. He also contrasted current conditions with the crisis period, stating that fuel and gas queues and power cuts had ended despite global economic pressures. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage responded to Question No. 1936/2026 on the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, stating that it was established under Act No. 49 of 1957 to provide affordable quality fish and support cold storage and ice production. He said the Corporation has faced a capital crisis since 2010, affecting statutory payments, supplier dues, bank obligations, and services, and outlined investigations into 2024–2025 financial irregularities, including CIABOC action, arrests, disciplinary proceedings, and dismissals. He also detailed the status of nine ice plants, noting that about five are operational, and described the 2026 recovery plan targeting higher revenue and profit through new refrigerated trucks, cold store refurbishment, recovery of properties and receivables, and expansion of sales agreements. Procedural: Motions and Privilege Matter Read →