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- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka argued that, one year after the President and NPP received a large mandate, many election pledges remain unfulfilled. He cited promises on reducing fuel prices, electricity tariffs, VAT on essential and agricultural items, rice imports, paddy prices, fertilizer subsidies, teacher-principal salary anomalies, senior citizens’ interest rates, and local school access, alleging that outcomes have differed from campaign commitments. He also criticized the handling of issues such as the former Speaker’s qualifications, the wildlife census on crop damage, and the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, and said the Opposition had brought the adjournment debate to remind the Government of these commitments. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said the “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” policy statement was developed through consultations since 2018 and reflects post-Aragalaya demands for anti-corruption governance, rule of law, and national unity. He argued that the Government has reduced political corruption, applied the law equally, and built cross-community trust through its electoral mandate across most districts. Responding to Opposition criticisms, he cited projected poverty reduction, lower fuel prices, increased public sector salaries and tax thresholds, and tourism growth, while emphasizing multidimensional poverty measures. He outlined social protection and rural development measures, including a new Rural Development Agency, 184 village projects, higher elderly and disability allowances, increased Aswesuma payments, and expanded student support. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D.V. Chanaka argued that the Government should be held to its first-year promises, particularly on initiating abolition of the executive presidency, reducing electricity and fuel costs, raising estate workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1,700, and building 4,000 houses. He questioned tariff increases after the election and cited economic indicators, FDI shortfalls, rising inflation, higher essential food prices, and farmer protests to argue that the Government’s management of agriculture, industry, and cost-of-living issues had fallen short. He also criticized underuse of cold storage facilities in Dambulla and said governance should not depend on whether public protests emerge. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister argued that political decay, corruption and poor governance were the root causes of Sri Lanka’s wider economic and social collapse, and said the Government’s first priority has been to stabilize governance and change the political culture. He claimed the administration had ensured peaceful elections without reprisals or violence and created conditions for policy implementation under a corruption-free framework. On agriculture, he said the Government had intervened to secure fairer prices for paddy and big onion farmers, including through duty adjustments and purchases by Sathosa and supermarket chains, and highlighted the “Yaya 500” programme to improve productivity through coordinated irrigation, fertilizer and agronomic support. He stated that reduced public agitation reflected public confidence in Government action, and rejected calls for another immediate election after recent presidential and local authority polls. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha defended the Government’s “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” policy framework for 2024–2029, arguing that it is aimed at national unity, economic recovery, and equitable distribution of benefits. She cited increases in official reserves, debt servicing, resumed vehicle imports, revival of stalled projects, SOE improvements, fertilizer support, and public-sector salary measures as evidence of progress. She also listed implemented or initiated pledges, including Cabinet restructuring, abolition of MPs’ duty-free vehicle permits, reduced presidential privileges, reforms to retired Presidents’ benefits, AML/CFT measures, and tax administration changes. Referring to assessments such as PEARL’s tracking of 1,333 pledges and comments by the IMF and World Bank, she urged the Opposition to evaluate the Government’s programme fairly as an ongoing stabilization and reform process. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe explained the Government’s paddy procurement and milling arrangements, stating that 50,000 MT was procured in the Yala season, with 20,000 MT subject to a services tender and another 20,000 MT planned for allocation to small and medium millers through co-operatives on a rotational basis. He rejected claims that the tender was intended for 50,000 MT or restricted to large millers, saying the process follows capacity and technical criteria. He also addressed criticism of Sri Lanka’s participation in the WTO Trade Policy Review in Geneva, describing it as a technical engagement involving multiple state institutions and warning that legal action would be taken against alleged misrepresentations. He concluded that the Government had made progress over the past year and would continue its programme with public and international support. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a response detailing enforcement action under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, reporting 568 cases in Northern and Eastern districts in 2024 and 362 cases up to end-August 2025 for offences including illegal gear, prohibited species, unlicensed fishing, and unauthorized Indian operations. He stated that district officers have been instructed to act on complaints despite resource constraints, that 30 prosecutions under the Foreign Fishing Boats Act have been instituted this year and 15 Indian trawlers confiscated, and that no Ministry development activity is taking place at Kurikattuwan. He also outlined the phased development of Myliddy Fisheries Harbour, said sea cucumber aquaculture sites are assessed by relevant agencies before approval, and noted recent Cabinet approvals to fill technical vacancies in the Department. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A. M. M. M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Questioned the Government’s position on underutilized upland plots in Mahaweli areas, noting that only about 25 per cent had reportedly been productively used since inception. Raised concern that some lands granted for proposed projects remain fallow or have been diverted to other uses, and asked what action would be taken regarding such unimplemented projects. Oral Question 3: Telecommunication Towers in Mahaweli System C Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Tea Research Institute is already involved in the matter raised and that private sector investors in the tea sector are also being engaged. He welcomed the Member’s support to help take the initiative forward. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. T. K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T. K. Jayasundara raised concerns about uncontrolled bamboo growth along riverbanks contributing to flood damage by blocking bridges. He noted initiatives in Galle to develop a bamboo-based industrial village and proposed a related bamboo biochar project for use in the tea sector, citing TRI guidance on application limits. He asked whether government approval and support would be provided, in coordination with the Ministry of Industries, for introducing these products. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that fertilizer policy falls under the National Fertilizer Secretariat and said the proposal should be discussed with that body. He noted that the Government relies on the Tea Research Institute’s recommendations for tea cultivation, including ongoing trials on biochar from bamboo and other sources. He acknowledged declining soil quality and said both chemical and organic inputs are needed to sustain yields, with further discussions to follow through the relevant authorities. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. T. K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T. K. Jayasundara raised concerns that soil acidification, reduced nutrient retention, and declining organic matter caused by fertilizer use are affecting tea and broader agriculture. He proposed wider use of biochar, particularly from bamboo, to improve soil microbial activity, water retention, and long-term carbon storage. He asked for the Minister’s view on establishing a coordinated mechanism involving the Ministries of Plantation, Agriculture, and Finance to address the issue urgently. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. K. V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister replied to a question on declining raw tea leaf production, noting that Sri Lanka’s tea output peaked in 2013 and has fallen since 2015, with soil nutrient depletion and acidity among the contributing factors. He said the Tea Research Institute has confirmed the potential of biochar, including from bamboo and other plants, to rehabilitate tea soils and is continuing research on fertilizer efficiency, soil health, and suitable raw materials, with government funding allocated. He added that tea sector institutions have prepared strategic plans, and TRI recommendations will be implemented through the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Smallholder Tea Development Authority once research is completed. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that compensation and provision of alternative land had been discussed, including the development of certain Forest Department lands for paddy cultivation. He said irrigation infrastructure such as canals and field channels cannot be completed fully within the year, but the Department of Irrigation plans to finish the work in the first months of 2026 and enable cultivation by the third quarter of 2026. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Asked what measures the Ministry has taken, in coordination with the Department of Irrigation, to complete the remaining irrigation and related works needed to make the agricultural land suitable for cultivation. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena asked the Deputy Minister about compensation for people displaced by a dam project intended to support agriculture in the area. He sought clarification on the steps taken by the Ministry to complete compensation payments and the expected timeline for doing so. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, answering on behalf of the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister, provided details on the Yan Oya Reservoir Project, including its 2013 commencement, government funding of Rs. 48,355.30 million, command areas supplied by the left and right bank canals, and the feasibility study conducted by the Irrigation Department. He said the project remains delayed, with completion extended to 31 December 2025 and a Cabinet Memorandum submitted to extend it further to 31 December 2026. He outlined land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement arrangements, stating that compensation for acquired residential lands has been completed, some payments for upland and paddy lands remain pending, and delays continue in providing alternative lands under Ministry of Lands Circular 1/2016. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Nimal Palihena asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation for detailed information on the Lower Yan Oya Project in Anuradhapura, including its commencement year, funding source and allocation, beneficiary areas, feasibility study status, and scheduled completion date. He also sought details on displacement and resettlement, including the number of affected families and land extents, identified relocation lands and procedures, outstanding compensation cases, and reasons for any delays. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Allegations of irregularities should be referred for legal action where warranted, noting that anti-corruption authorities have a large backlog and that files are being compiled for investigation. On Sevanagala Sugar, the Government intends to retain it as a state enterprise while considering public-private partnerships for idle land and underutilized assets to strengthen the sugar business. Farmers’ and employees’ security and production capacity would be safeguarded as part of the Ministry’s broader plan to address operational constraints. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Asked about alleged theft and sale of iron from the closed Embilipitiya Paper Mill and urged action through bribery or corruption authorities, citing an existing police file. Also sought a clear assurance on the future of the Sevanagala Sugar Factory amid public concerns about possible privatization, delays or issues in cane supply allocations for farmers, and criticism of the Chairman’s conduct. Oral Question 1: Oil Tanks and Pipeline in Kankesanthurai (Cement Corporation) Read →