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- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that schools and families need lawful space for firm, measured corrective discipline, while stressing that abuse and harmful conduct, including incidents linked to tuition classes, must be taken seriously. He then raised constituency concerns, urging the Government to strengthen the Cinnamon Development Department’s regional and field capacity to support cinnamon growers in Galle. He also requested the Ministers of Sports and Education to resolve the job security, classification, assessment, and career progression issues faced by school sports coaches. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe corrected the premise of the question before Parliament, stating that there are no tanks under the Department of Agriculture. The response was made in the context of a question listed under “Illegal Foreign Immigrants: Details,” though his answer addressed the institutional responsibility for tanks. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation whether 478 small tanks in the Batticaloa District fall under the Department of Agriculture, with fewer than 200 properly maintained. He questioned whether restoring and maintaining the neglected tanks would empower local farmers and requested details on any steps to ensure their proper maintenance, or reasons if no action is planned. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled a written answer on national seed paddy stocks and requirements, stating that the Government currently holds 147,932 bushels and providing annual requirement figures for 2020 to 2024. He outlined measures for seed production and supply, including breeder seed production by Department of Agriculture research institutes, production of certified seed categories in government seed farms, support for private and society-based certified seed production, and contract production through the Department’s Seed and Planting Material Division. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Rohana Bandara) SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of Hon. Rohana Bandara, asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide details on the current quantity of government-held seed paddy and the annual national requirement for seed paddy from 2020 onward. He also sought information on measures taken to maintain adequate seed paddy stocks in response to increased demand caused by weather and climate changes, and asked for reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to provide details of Sri Lanka Tea Board funds placed in long-term and short-term investments from 2020 to date. He further questioned whether the Minister was aware of allegations that proper approvals had not been obtained for those investments and, if so, what action would be taken. Oral Question 10 (125/2025): Sri Lanka Tea Board Investments Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media, Acting Minister of Justice and National Integration, and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa presented the 2023 Annual Report of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Resource Management, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: University Reports and Government Documents Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa welcomed the NBRI Bill, noting the institution’s long existence since 1984 and the delayed move to legislate, and called for a long-term plan addressing climate, geophysical, maritime and aviation-related risks through international collaboration. He criticised the Government’s first year in office, arguing that it should focus on delivering promised benefits rather than blaming previous governments, and cited official statistics on declines in agriculture, fisheries and rubber while questioning import decisions affecting farmers. He also raised concerns over the Electricity Act, treatment of protesting graduates and Development Officers, job losses, factory closures, and pressure on the media, urging the Government to address the problems of workers and affected communities. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Namal Karunaratne disputed the Opposition Leader’s claim that 300,000 metric tons of maize were imported, stating that imports were 253,000 metric tons last year and are projected at 67,000 metric tons this year. He clarified that maize grown as fodder for dairy is a separate green-biomass cultivation from grain production. He said minimum prices are set using scientific costing by the Task Force, HARTI and farmer organisations with a 30 percent margin, and that the Government is promoting 13 crops to reduce imports. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Deputy Minister on maize farmers’ complaints in Ampara, Monaragala and Anuradhapura that large imports had depressed prices below the announced guaranteed price of about Rs. 140 per kilogram. He said some farmers harvested early and sold green cobs because of the price fall, and compared the reported import volume with previous years, including the fall armyworm period. He asked whether the Government would implement a clear and sustainable plan for the next season to ensure farmers receive the promised price. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Family labour was included in maize cost calculations, with Rs. 106 per kilogram given as the average cost and district-level variations acknowledged. A 30 per cent margin was added to set a Rs. 135 per kilogram price, agreed by the Task Force with farmer organisations and experts led by Prof. Buddhi Marambe. He said farmers generally received good prices, while problems mainly affected intermediaries who had stockpiled, and noted that projected imports had fallen from about 253,000 metric tons last year to 67,000 metric tons this year, with a plan to progressively reduce maize imports to zero. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Suranga Rathnayaka raised concerns that import permits issued during the previous harvest season depressed crop prices and harmed farmers. He questioned the Government’s guaranteed price of Rs. 135 per kg, arguing that the costing excludes family labour and does not reflect field conditions, and asked that it be reconsidered. He also highlighted distress among black gram farmers. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne provided data on maize production and imports from 2023 to the first quarter of 2025, noting that projected 2025 production of 341,595 MT and reduced imports reflect an ongoing government promotion programme. He outlined a 2026–2030 plan to raise average yields to 6.1 MT per hectare, reduce production costs, expand technology packages and hybrids in key districts, and establish a Maize Performance Task Force linking farmers, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders. He also stated that dryers and post-harvest support would be provided to reduce aflatoxin, and that a Rs. 135 per kg farmgate price standard for 2024/25 Maha had been agreed based on estimated costs and a 30 per cent profit margin. Oral Question Q.7/2025: Maize Production and Pricing Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Fertilizer policy disruptions were cited as a continuing cause of weakness in agriculture, including the tea sector, with past concerns over delays and supplier selection in tea fertilizer distribution. Cabinet approval has been obtained for a new mechanism, and for 2025 the Tea Board has allocated Rs. 2,000 million for fertilizer support, including Rs. 200 million for smallholder assistance delivered through a QR-code system. Registered suppliers, including the State Fertilizer Corporation and companies registered with the National Fertilizer Secretariat, will provide fertilizer, with issuance scheduled to begin on the 26th at Matugama, Kalutara, to support timely delivery for the season. Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Asked whether fertilizer subsidies will be provided to improve yields among smallholder tea growers, framing the issue as falling within the relevant ministerial purview. Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Cinnamon was identified as a key plantation crop, with exports earning USD 262 million last year and a five-year strategy aiming to increase this to USD 500 million by 2030 through legal, infrastructure, and farmer support measures. The Member stated that the Government is reviewing about 100 state institutions, including the proposed Cinnamon Development Department, and that the final institutional arrangement will be decided after addressing overlaps with other minor export crop bodies. Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage highlighted the importance of the cinnamon sector, particularly in Galle and Matara, as a foreign exchange earner that has expanded countrywide. He asked whether the proposed Cinnamon Development Department, linked to the pending Cinnamon Development Act, would remain under the Minister’s Ministry or be reassigned to the Department of Export Agriculture, noting concerns among officials about such a move. Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister provided detailed information on Sri Lanka’s cinnamon sector, stating that about 90 per cent of cinnamon lands are located in Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Hambantota and Kalutara, with a total cultivated extent of about 37,500 hectares in 2024. He said the Department of Cinnamon Development is headquartered in Karandeniya, Galle, in a rented building, with operational units including a zonal office in Gampaha and a field cadre of 268 officers. He outlined departmental programmes on export market development, GI certification for Ceylon Cinnamon, new cultivation support, productivity improvement, quality certification, training, processing and value addition, with further details tabled. Oral Question Q.5/2025: Cinnamon and Tea Fertilizer Subsidies Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, provided details on land held by the Land Reform Commission, stating that about 101 acres are vested, with portions allotted to 20 institutions including 27 acres to the Industrial Development Board. He outlined the Commission’s employee land-allocation scheme, eligibility criteria, related court proceedings affirming employee rights, and steps to regularize unauthorised occupants under Plan No. 1584. He stated that detailed answers and annexures had been tabled and could be provided to the Member. Oral Question Q.4/2025: Ratalankawa Land - Land Reform Commission Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe briefly requested that the matter under discussion be considered in the interests of all fishermen across the country, not only a specific group. The intervention framed the issue as a national concern affecting the fishing community generally. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation Read →