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- 8 November 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman presented a petition from Mr. Gunaratnam Jude Wimalaraj of Kocchivilmottai Periyapandivirichchan, Madhu, Mannar, submitted on behalf of the Kochchivilmottai Farmers’ Organization and another party. Petitions Presented Read →
- 7 November 2025 Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary The address outlines Budget 2026 proposals to support small and medium enterprises, agriculture and tourism through concessional lending, refinancing, pledge loans, collateral-free loans and interest subsidies, with Rs. 80,000 million allocated for related loan schemes. It proposes lowering the investment threshold for enhanced capital allowances from US$3 million to US$250,000 to encourage SME investment. For tourism, it sets targets of US$8 billion in earnings and 4 million arrivals by 2030, proposes institutional restructuring, destination development, use of underutilized government bungalows with private-sector support, and infrastructure and marketing initiatives in areas including the Western Province coastal zone and Haputale. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 7 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined budget allocations for rural infrastructure, including Rs. 24,000 million for rural roads and Rs. 2,500 million for rural bridges, alongside proposals on ageing policy, women’s nutrition and entrepreneurship support, and relief schemes for migrant workers. He announced plans for a low-interest housing loan scheme and contributory pension scheme for migrant workers using Rs. 2,000 million from Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment funds. He also detailed measures to address human–elephant conflict, including electric fencing, deployment of Civil Security Department officers, vehicle and communication upgrades for wildlife authorities, and allocations for fodder, water management, and research-based long-term solutions. Additional funding was proposed for drama, performing arts and literature, while he noted restructuring needs in State media institutions due to financial difficulties. Appropriation Bill, 2026: Second Reading Debate Read →
- 24 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti replied to a Standing Order 27(2) question on the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, outlining import and export data for rough gems from 2022-2024 and stating that NGJA and Customs are finalizing a verification mechanism for re-exported stones. He said around 70 per cent of Sri Lanka is geologically prospective for gems, with only about 20 per cent explored, and described planned scientific exploration with relevant agencies, universities, plantation companies and other stakeholders. He also stated that mining licensing has been simplified through a one-stop centre, fees are not excessive, and the number of licences increased by 78 per cent between 2021 and 2024. On trade promotion, he said Sri Lanka is studying international auctions for cut and polished gems and aligning domestic exhibitions with regional calendars, while foreign currency brought into the country must be declared where required and bank-based transactions are encouraged. Ministerial Statement: Export of Rough Gems and Foreign Currency Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, is supporting SMEs and palmyrah producers through schemes and credit programmes. He invited local and overseas Sri Lankan investors to invest in palmyrah value addition, noting that Sri Lanka has about 11.1 million dispersed palmyrah trees and that discussions are under way to legally allocate clustered access for investment. He said the Government is ready to facilitate such partnerships. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran asked whether programmes exist to support palmyrah product producers through credit facilities and technical training. He specifically highlighted the need for advice on preservation technologies to extend shelf life and on improved packaging to promote the products. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna reported growth in the palmyrah industry, noting exports increased from Rs. 57.83 million in 2023 to Rs. 203.19 million in the first four months of 2025. He said cultivation and value addition are expanding beyond traditional regions into districts such as Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Ampara and Hambantota, and outlined plans to link palmyrah products with tourism promotion. He also cited training in Ella for low-income households to establish micro-enterprises and said the Ministry intends to further popularize palmyrah products islandwide. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran welcomed the Minister’s response on marketing measures for palmyrah and emphasized its economic, cultural, and environmental importance to Tamil communities, including groundwater retention. He asked whether promotional programmes exist for palmyrah products and whether sales could be expanded to other provinces through partnerships with government and private entities. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government is recognizing palmyrah as an economically significant crop and strengthening the Palmyrah Development Board to support technology, production, value addition and sustainable management. He stated that tree felling is restricted under the Felling of Trees (Control) Act, but stronger legal provisions are being pursued, while a 2025 programme will plant 120,000 seeds in the Northern and Eastern Provinces with Rs. 10 million allocated and Rs. 15 million proposed for 2026. He also outlined support for rural women and youth, exporter coordination, and efforts to expand palmyrah products in global markets, noting export earnings of Rs. 57.83 million in 2023, Rs. 228.6 million in 2024, and Rs. 203.19 million in the first four months of 2025. Oral Question: Palmyrah as a Crop of Significant Value (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 24 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister stated that programmes such as “Mission Olympics 2028” and “Kreeda Shakthi,” along with allowances for coaches, are being implemented to develop athletics. He congratulated Lahiru Arachchinta for winning gold and Nethmi Gimhani for winning bronze at the Asian Youth Games, noting that Lahiru benefited from the Kreeda Shakthi programme. He said continued support would help Sri Lankan athletes advance nationally and internationally. Oral Question: International and School Cricket Stadiums (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa tabled a written answer regarding the Horowpothana Elephant Holding Ground. The response stated that 73 problem elephants had been released there, 21 had died with post-mortems conducted, and the facility comprises 997 hectares of State land within Horowpothana National Park, with no private agricultural lands affected or alternative lands provided. It also noted that elephant movement continues in surrounding DWC-managed areas, electric fence routes are being identified, and crop-damage compensation is handled by the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board for insured farmers under specified crop categories and conditions. Oral Question: Wild Elephants at Horowpothana Elephant Holding Ground (Q.12/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Environment to provide details on the Horowpothana Elephant Holding Ground, including the number of elephants kept there, its land extent, the agricultural lands affected, and whether alternative lands were given to previous owners. He also raised concerns that the facility blocks an elephant pass, causing elephants to use other lands and damage crops, and requested information on proposed solutions, the timeline for compensation, and how farmers without deeds or permits would be treated. Oral Question: Wild Elephants at Horowpothana Elephant Holding Ground (Q.12/2025) Read →
- 23 October 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation stated that he was providing an answer on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. No substantive details of the answer or policy position were included in the excerpt. Oral Question: Leased Out LRC Lands in Kandy District (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara supported stricter enforcement under the Excise Ordinance, proposing that liquor licences not be renewed where producers have failed to remit collected excise revenue. He argued that high excise taxes on legal alcohol are pushing consumers toward illicit liquor and narcotics, including among youth, and called for reduced taxes to make legal products more affordable. He also urged planned paddy cultivation and Government intervention in Keeri Samba supply, alleging hoarding by major millers, and called for urgent marketing support for potato and big onion farmers facing unsold, perishable stocks. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Upali Samarasingha supported the Rules under the Excise Ordinance and the Regulation under the Special Commodity Levy Act, arguing that they are intended to close loopholes, prevent revenue evasion, and ensure taxes collected from alcohol sales are properly remitted to the Treasury. He said excise revenue is important for public services and that legal reforms are needed to hold evaders accountable. On agricultural levies, he stated that existing policies on commodities such as potatoes and onions aim to support food security, lower production costs, and develop the agro-industry, while rejecting Opposition claims as inaccurate. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Supported the Special Commodity Levy to raise duties on imported onions and potatoes during local harvest periods, arguing it would help secure fair prices for local producers. He said import-oriented policies after 1977 contributed to the decline of domestic agriculture, citing the fall in Northern Province shallot production from 56% of national output in 1980 to about 20.6% by 2005. He called for insurance, marketing support, and measures to protect farmers from exploitative middlemen in order to revive shallot cultivation and improve self-sufficiency. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that the Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes and big onions was imposed too late to significantly assist local farmers, as large imported stocks are already in the market and prices remain unfavourable to domestic growers. He said vegetable farmers, particularly in Nuwara Eliya, are facing sharply reduced prices and distress. He requested the Minister of Agriculture to introduce a planned crop-zoning framework, with designated districts or zones for specific crops, to prevent oversupply and stabilize farmer returns. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Nalin Hewage argued that agriculture must be central to Sri Lanka’s development and said import levy increases on potatoes and onions were intended to protect domestic farmers, while also noting the need to keep food affordable for consumers. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government delayed the levies to allow pre-levy imports, saying official monthly figures had disproved them, and called for more constructive criticism. He said the Government was pursuing lower production costs through better seed, fertilizer and technology, with a longer-term shift toward larger-scale, higher-productivity agriculture, and criticized past policies including the organic fertilizer decision. He also stated that Rs. 10.5 billion in excise arrears would be collected, alleging that some defaulters were linked to Opposition figures. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan raised concerns over difficulties facing potato and onion farmers, including reduced digging due to rains and unsold seed stocks in Sita Eliya. He urged the Agriculture Ministry to establish a planned, region-specific cropping system and regulate cultivation to avoid inappropriate crop choices across areas. He said 3,000 postcards from Kandapola would be sent to the President and the Minister seeking a proper response, warning of the political and economic consequences of neglecting these farmers. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan raised concerns about severe losses faced by potato and vegetable farmers in Nuwara Eliya due to high production costs, low market prices, and competition from imported potatoes kept in cold storage. He said farmers are selling below cost, risking abandonment of cultivation, while seed potatoes remain unsold and related labour and trading activity have declined. He urged the Government to prepare a plan and adjust import levies in a timely manner, noting that earlier action could have reduced the present distress. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →