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- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Sudath Balagalla argued that the previous Government’s excise and economic policies had worsened household debt, losses in State institutions, and social harms linked to alcohol and narcotics. He cited recent drug seizures, including about 1,248 kg of heroin and 1,852 kg of “ice” over nine months, and said investigations should proceed while holding the prior political culture morally accountable. Referring to potato farmers in Badulla, he said the Government plans to reduce production costs by developing domestic seed potato production, aiming to cut costs by about 25 per cent within two to three years. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that recent import figures for potatoes and onions were within average levels, citing 17,108 metric tons of potatoes and 29,354 metric tons of onions in the previous month, with onions around 30,000 metric tons the month before. He rejected claims of a sudden increase to 50,000 metric tons as false and requested that proceedings move on to the next item due to the scheduled Adjournment Debate. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the Committee’s decision had become known to importers and traders two weeks before implementation, enabling them to import 23,000 metric tonnes of potatoes under the previous levy. He argued that, as a result, the intended benefit of the levy change did not reach local farmers. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister defended the increase of the Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions and potatoes as a measure to support local farmers during the Yala supply period, citing import and consumption data to reject claims that large stocks had been pre-positioned before the levy. He also addressed the earlier salt import issue, stating that consignments outside the permitted Bill of Lading dates or failing quality standards would not be released and would be handled under Customs procedures. Responding to concerns about the Dambulla cold storage facility, he said remaining construction and technical defects, as well as required racking and handling equipment, were being addressed with Indian grant project stakeholders, with operations targeted for early December under a mixed public-private model. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen urged the Government, in the context of Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, to align import levies and import timing with local harvest seasons to prevent depressed prices for farmers, citing past coordination through the Cost of Living Committee. He raised the case of Muthunagar farmers in Trincomalee being prevented from cultivating long-used lands and requested either the return of the land or prompt allocation of nearby alternative land, noting ongoing protests and deadlines from the President’s Office. He also called for payment of salary arrears to 91 locally recruited workers at Lanka Mineral Sands Limited in Pulmoddai, and proposed reopening closed Sathosa outlets to buy and sell farm produce at fair prices. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Stepni Fernando JJB AI summary Hon. Stepni Fernando supported the Regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act and the Rules under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, stating that commodity levies are intended to protect farmers and secure fair prices for crops such as big onion and potato. He said levy decisions are now being made collectively with relevant agencies to avoid past abuses, and noted that the new excise rules would strengthen recovery of around Rs. 10.5 billion in arrears by enabling collection within three months. He also outlined plans to improve agriculture through local seed production, technology, expanded cultivation of available land, fertilizer support, and irrigation rehabilitation, linking revenue collection to farmer welfare and broader self-sufficiency goals. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva called for a prompt investigation into the murder of Haliwala (Chaligama) Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara and said elected representatives require appropriate security. He then referred to disputes over land in Dambulla and, in the context of the Committee on Public Finance, discussed the use of Special Commodity Levies to protect local farmers from imports during harvest periods. Citing the National Tariff Policy approved in May 2024 and the 2021 sugar levy controversy, he argued that levy changes must follow agreed procedures, including prior Cabinet approval, time limits, and advance announcement, rather than ad hoc ministerial action. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe defended the Government’s agricultural pricing measures, citing the guaranteed paddy price, expanded Government storage, Sathosa sales at concessionary prices, and increased import levies on big onions and potatoes to support local farmers while maintaining consumer access. She argued that concerns over Ponni Samba and Keeri Samba affected only a limited segment of consumers and could be addressed through imports. Supporting the Special Commodity Levy Order and Excise-related Rules, she outlined revised excise payment deadlines, a 3 per cent surcharge for late payment, and licence cancellation after 90 days of non-payment, saying these measures would strengthen revenue collection. She also urged the Excise Department to join the national “Ratama Ekata” operation against illicit liquor and drugs. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem supported attention to breast cancer awareness and called for a ministerial statement and urgent investigation into the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, citing concerns over public safety and possible political links. On the potato and big onion import measures, he said seasonal controls can help farmers during harvest but questioned whether they would increase domestic production, noting past reliance on imports and seeking clarification on reported pre-levy onion imports. He urged the Government to fill and promote Agricultural Extension Officer posts, address gaps in agricultural offices in the Kalmunai area, provide paddy drying facilities in Ampara, and ensure adequate seed onion supply. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed referred to declining big onion production due to seed shortages during the debate on onion and potato levies, then raised concerns about post-local government election administration. He urged amendments to Ministry of Home Affairs Circular 3/2025, saying it restricts participation in District Development Committee and Divisional Coordinating Committee meetings to a few local authority members and excludes many elected representatives, particularly from the Opposition. He also requested seating accommodations in local authorities and asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to clarify whether any circular prohibits the use of school halls for student felicitation events, citing a refused request in Vavuniya. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government imposed import levies of Rs. 80 per kg on potatoes and Rs. 50 per kg on big onions to protect domestic farmers while seeking parliamentary approval for the relevant order. He said state and private sector purchasing mechanisms had been arranged, including Sathosa purchases and direct buying by Keells and Cargills at specified prices, with centres in areas such as Welimada/Bogahakumbura, Keppetipola, Dambulla, Thambuttegama and Jaffna. He also outlined plans to expand local seed potato production through tissue culture and state farm facilities, arguing that reducing dependence on imported seed and inputs is necessary to sustain cultivation. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda questioned the effectiveness of continuing import levies under the Special Commodity Levy Act to protect potato and onion farmers, noting that after nearly two decades domestic production remains about 28 per cent for potatoes and 4 per cent for onions. He argued that while farmers need protection, consumers must also be considered, and proposed targeted support, assured income mechanisms, and measures to raise domestic production instead of relying repeatedly on levies. He also urged the Government, in the context of floods and public hardship, to give local administrative officers discretion to provide relief based on actual conditions rather than rigid eligibility criteria. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi criticized off-topic conduct in the debate and addressed the Excise Rules and Special Commodity Levy measures under discussion. He said proposed amendments to the 112-year-old Excise Ordinance would strengthen recovery of unpaid excise duties by shortening grace periods and enabling cancellation or suspension of licences, noting large arrears including Rs. 6.75 billion from one liquor company. He defended the potato and onion levy gazette as a seasonal measure to protect local harvests, citing import data to reject claims that importers were tipped off in advance. He also argued that the Government had proposals to improve farmer efficiency and accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation and failing to address seed and production issues when in office. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concern over the shooting death of the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha and said the withdrawal of security for Opposition members made the Government accountable for their safety. He criticized the delayed imposition of taxes on imported potatoes and onions, arguing that earlier action was needed to protect farmers in Uva Paranagama, Welimada and other areas affected by crop and storage losses. He alleged irregularities in a Gazette permitting imports of Ponni Samba and Pal Samba rice, claiming that only traders close to the Government or Minister could benefit due to timing, port arrivals and Indian holidays, and called for either reduced import duties to benefit consumers or direct support such as fertilizer subsidies or cash assistance to farmers. He also questioned the handling of imported salt consignments remaining uncleared at the port and warned a similar situation could occur with rice imports. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported the Special Commodity Levy increases on big onions and potatoes, arguing they were necessary to protect domestic farmers from low harvest-time prices and to help them recover production costs. He said onion cultivation had recovered to 2,644 hectares in 2025 with fertilizer support, and that the levy rise had helped raise farmgate prices to profitable levels. He also supported amendments to Excise rules requiring liquor manufacturers to pay duties within one month, with suspension of production and licences for continued non-payment, citing about Rs. 10 billion in excise arrears among major companies and further arrears in ethanol and toddy production. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 2) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Thilanka U. Gamage disputed the Opposition Leader’s estimate of big onion production costs, stating that improved yields had reduced costs to about Rs. 90–100 per kg, while noting broader economic stabilization indicators. He said new Excise rules are intended to enforce timely remittance of existing taxes, with a 3% monthly late fee after one month and licence cancellation after 90 days, addressing arrears of Rs. 10.5 billion. He supported increasing the Special Commodity Levy on big onions from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 and potatoes from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 to protect local farmers, encourage domestic production, manage imports, and maintain price stability. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said increases in the Special Commodity Levy on potatoes and big onions must genuinely improve farmers’ cost recovery and not merely benefit importers through poor timing or pre-stocking. He cited production costs exceeding farm-gate prices, high import dependence, and difficulties faced by farmers in key growing areas, and called for levies to be timed with harvest cycles and set through the National Tariff Policy Committee and Cabinet after proper impact assessment. He also proposed reducing input and seed costs, improving coordination between Agriculture and Trade authorities, and introducing modern technologies and training for potato and big onion cultivation while maintaining fair consumer prices. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Nishantha Jayaweera - Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera moved approval for amendments to Excise Notification No. 962 to tighten recovery of liquor excise arrears, stating that unpaid excise totals Rs. 10.5 billion and that licences will now be cancelled if dues remain unpaid beyond one month, with all related licences cancelled after 90 days. He said the Government is also preparing a comprehensive replacement for the Excise Ordinance to strengthen recovery powers and is modernizing Excise administration through the RASED system, POS integration, and a public verification app for tax-paid liquor. He also sought approval for an Order under the Special Commodity Levy Act raising levies on imported potatoes and big onions to protect local farmers and create more market space for domestic produce. Debate: Rules under Excise Ordinance and Special Commodity Levy Order (Session 1) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake called for a competitive market environment to protect both consumers and farmers. He argued that relying solely on State control is not an adequate solution. Ministerial Statements: Poverty Alleviation and Industry Development Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Minister’s stated facilitative approach to the sugar sector and urged the Government to focus on competitiveness, fair prices for farmers, efficient private-sector operation, and lower consumer prices. He suggested using a modest levy on imports to support farmers, considering private operation of Pelwatte, Hingurana and Sevanagala, and prioritizing domestic production over imports. He also called for reviving a natural disaster insurance mechanism to protect farmers from losses such as cane fires and said the Opposition would support reforms, including importing crystals if needed to improve efficiency. Ministerial Statements: Poverty Alleviation and Industry Development Read →