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 October 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera argued that, despite claims of nationwide infrastructure development, many road projects in areas such as Yatiyantota and Kegalle remain stalled, particularly under the iRoad and “Laksha Mawatha” programmes, and requested priority action to complete them. He also urged the Government to procure smaller, durable buses suitable for remote, narrow and hilly routes rather than large coaches unsuited to such terrain. He further asked the Sri Lanka Tea Board to correct its public claim about a record tea auction price in Japan, noting that Avissawella Tea Factory had achieved a higher price in 2024 and should receive due recognition. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan objected to the proposed abolition or merger of the New Villages Development Authority for Plantation Region, established under Act No. 32 of 2018, arguing that it is needed to address development gaps affecting about one million plantation-region residents. He cited a letter from the Presidential Secretariat stating that NEVIDA is “under review,” contradicting assurances by State Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep that no such move exists, and tabled the letter in the Library. He urged relevant Ministers and MPs to intervene, stating that elected policymakers and Parliament, not officials, should determine the Authority’s future. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe said the Heda Oya Reservoir has been studied since 1956, with later updates showing that the full project would inundate 6,000 acres and displace over 250 permanent households, creating major social and political concerns. He stated that no funds will be allocated for the project in Budget 2026 and that there are no immediate implementation plans, though the project has not been abandoned and would require further socioeconomic and environmental assessments. He said the Government’s current priority is to complete stalled irrigation projects such as Pahala Malwathu Oya, Pahala Yan Oya, Lower Uma Oya, Mundeni Aru and Kivul Oya, where work, land acquisition or expenditure has already begun. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation why the Heda Oya Irrigation Project, identified in 1922 and subsequently designed, studied, approved and allocated funds under several governments, has still not commenced. He outlined its expected benefits for Ampara and Moneragala, including irrigation for over 6,270 hectares, support for more than 5,000 farming families, drinking water for several DS areas, and related economic gains. He requested clarification on delays, funding in the 2026 Budget, timelines, a dedicated implementation and oversight mechanism, stakeholder consultation, assessment of social/environmental/economic benefits, and integration with rural water, agricultural modernization and regional irrigation programmes. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda supported the anti-doping Bill but said the Government delayed responding to WADA’s non-compliance finding, risking Sri Lanka’s participation under the national flag and access to international sports support. He called for athlete and coach education on prohibited substances, tax relief on sports equipment, and free access to district sports facilities to support grassroots athletes. He also urged stronger support for smallholder tea growers and staffing in the Smallholder Tea Development Authority, requested the tabling of the report on the release of 323 containers linked to drug allegations, sought clarification on the future of Sathosa, and called for adequate security for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Government banks have begun implementing a concessional loan scheme, with details available through state banks and the relevant ministry. Measures are being taken to provide financial assistance to those engaged in production, agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, and to strengthen related institutions. The concerns raised by the Member were noted, with an assurance that appropriate action would be taken. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government had reintroduced fuel subsidies for fishing communities after taking office, including monthly support for diesel and kerosene-powered boats over a six-month period, amounting to more than Rs. 2 billion. He noted that fuel prices are adjusted under the IMF cost-reflective pricing framework and invited Members to participate in a forthcoming parliamentary discussion on kerosene subsidies led by the Minister of Power and Energy. He also outlined fisheries development measures in the North and East, including distribution of Chinese-donated nets, installation of container homes, upgrades to Point Pedro and Myliddy harbours, restarting the Karainagar boatyard facility, and recruitment to address official shortages in the Eastern Province. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Susil Ranasinghe explained the two current processes for allocating Land Reform Commission lands to projects: investor-identified lands with project reports and approvals, or Commission-identified lands offered to proponents without a specific site. He noted that the Commission is mapping suitable project types for identified lands and seeking investors, while addressing the absence of complete consolidated land records. He also stated that agricultural use of LRC lands without proper leases is being regularized. Oral Questions: Irrigation Department Tanks and Land Reform Commission Lands - Kalutara District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on Land Reform Commission lands in the Kalutara District, including whether they have been separately identified and which unused lands are available under the Land Reform Law No. 1 of 1972. He sought information by Divisional Secretary’s Division on ownership status, title deeds, survey plans, validity periods, and planned action for such lands. He also asked whether LRC lands can be released to landless or resettled persons, the applicable procedure, and whether leased LRC lands can be repossessed if not used for the intended purpose. Oral Questions: Irrigation Department Tanks and Land Reform Commission Lands - Kalutara District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister provided data on 700 tanks and 103 rivers registered with the Irrigation Department, including classifications by size and region, and details on tanks, rivers, canals and irrigation works in the Matara District. He stated that reservations under the Nilwala Project have been demarcated, 13 legal cases over unauthorized occupation are ongoing, one has concluded, and 42 more cases are being prepared. He also said approximately 10.5523 hectares in Nadugala had been acquired with compensation records held by the Divisional Secretariat, and that while the original French-funded Nilwala Project abandoned in 1988/89 may not be implementable as designed, flood control and irrigation activities are continuing with possible future implementation subject to economic stabilization. Oral Questions: Irrigation Department Tanks and Land Reform Commission Lands - Kalutara District Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana asked what support the Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau could provide in the next Budget to diversify Trincomalee tourism beyond seasonal beach tourism. He outlined plans for ecotourism, rural tourism, agrotourism and religious tourism in areas such as Morawewa and Gomaran Kadawala, including youth cooperatives, homestay training, a tourism cooperative from Sweat Bay, and a tourism zone linked to Sooriyapura, Kanthale Ara and Kanthale tank. Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Presented the 2022/2023 Annual Report of the C/C Colombo Commercial Fertilizer Company and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability, which was agreed to. Also presented, under Standing Order 119(4), reports on observations and actions taken by the Ministry of Irrigation and the Department of Irrigation on matters raised by the Committee on Public Accounts, and moved their referral to that Committee, which was also agreed to. Papers Presented - Annual Reports and Ministry Reports Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof criticized Government members for condemning protests despite having used protest politics while in Opposition. He raised concerns in Trincomalee District, alleging that elephant fences in Morawewa may restrict Muslim residents’ access to paddy lands and homes, and linked this to wider concerns over fishing permits, land issues, and the scheduling of a District Coordinating Committee meeting on a Friday. He questioned the Government’s development record after one year, rejected broad allegations linking people to theft or drug trafficking without evidence, and urged action against named offenders while calling for inclusive development for all communities in Trincomalee. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Government to take concrete action on the visa issue, noting that continued inaction could fuel suspicions over the allegations being raised. He also alleged that a tender relating to government paddy stocks had been structured to exclude small and medium rice millers and benefit selected large millers, contrary to the Government’s manifesto commitment to protect small and medium entrepreneurs. He called on the Government to revise its approach and ensure such millers are not displaced from the sector. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake said the Government should address problems faced by sugar industry farmers while ensuring fair prices for consumers. He argued that policy decisions must consider the cost difference between importing sugar at about USD 490 million and producing it domestically at about USD 575 million plus VAT, given the impact on affected farmers. Question by Private Notice: Sugar Industry Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s policy direction on the sugar industry, citing a perceived shift from earlier claims that Sri Lanka could achieve self-sufficiency and export sugar to the position that the State should not run businesses. He highlighted 2024 figures showing domestic production of about 81,000 metric tons against demand of 664,000 metric tons, with imports costing around USD 290–300 million, and argued that farmers face arrears, low prices, high input costs and policy disadvantages. He asked the Minister to clarify whether the new approach is official Government policy, provide data supporting earlier export claims, outline plans for sugar mills, ensure fair prices and timely payments to cane farmers, review tax treatment of imports and domestic production, and present a white paper on the industry’s future. Question by Private Notice: Sugar Industry Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, details were tabled in response to a question on farms owned by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority. The response stated that the Authority owns 17 farms and that approximately 47 acres were handed over in 2001 through the Galnewa Divisional Secretary and the North Central Provincial Council to the Rajarata Jana Sahana Foundation in Anuradhapura. It further stated that records of lease payments are not available to the Mahaweli Authority because the land was transferred through the Provincial Council, and that part (b) was not applicable. Oral Questions: Energy (Adani Power Plant) and Agriculture (Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon (on behalf of the Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide details on farms owned by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, including their number and particulars. He specifically sought information on the extent, lease status, lessee details, lease year, and payment compliance relating to the Seed Production Farm at Hogodayagama, Galnewa, Anuradhapura, and requested reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Questions: Energy (Adani Power Plant) and Agriculture (Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised several service-delivery and compensation issues affecting Pottuvil and surrounding areas in Ampara District, including unpaid relief supplier bills from the January 2024 floods and unpaid compensation for 14 fishermen affected by a mini-cyclone in October 2024. He requested action on water shortages through bowser allocations and the Keda Oya project, a fire engine and beach-cleaning machine for Arugam Bay, school infrastructure and staffing improvements, reduced fruit import duties, and proper staffing for the Pottuvil Divisional Veterinary Office vehicle. He also thanked the President for supporting recognition of Palestine at the UN and noted the commemoration of the International Day of Sign Languages. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha argued that export development is essential for economic growth, citing past support for village-level apparel and minor export crops. He called for renewed assistance to revive agarwood cultivation, including support for saplings and industry development, noting its export potential and recent price recovery after earlier declines and import competition. He also welcomed the halt to clove re-exports but requested faster Agriculture Ministry export permit approvals, saying delays affect exporters, traders, farmers, and foreign exchange earnings. Debate Continuation: Vehicle Import Regulations Read →