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 September 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary In response to concerns about compensation in Kilinochchi, the Minister stated that 1,398 farmers covering 279 acres had been recorded and Rs. 27 million had been paid through the Agricultural Insurance Board and direct Government support. He referred to an annex containing the affected numbers, acreage and payments, and said the matter could be re-examined if claims of non-payment remained. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan noted that a reply to his earlier question on flood damage to farmers had been received after more than seven months, by which time the affected cultivation season had ended. He stated that, to his knowledge, farmers in Kilinochchi District had not yet received relief or compensation, and requested the Minister to appoint a team to investigate the matter, saying he would accept its findings. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Minister K.D. Lal Kantha stated that floods damaged approximately 83,252 acres and affected about 70,540 farmers, including 52,635 acres of paddy land. He said district assessments were conducted under the nationwide free insurance and Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board schemes, and Rs. 1,450 million had been paid to affected farmers across 24 districts through bank account credits. He added that the compensation programme applied equally to the North, East, and all other districts, with details tabled in an annex. Procedural and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the current Special Commodity Levy decision was based on 2025 import volumes and domestic production, not on historical data from 2007 onward, which would require inputs from multiple ministries. He stated that the proposal was considered through the Food Policy and Security Committee, a subcommittee, the Tariff Policy Committee, and Cabinet before implementation, and that the Rs. 40 levy was intended to balance farmer protection, food security, and consumer interests. He also said there were no leaks before Cabinet approval, citing August import volumes as evidence that imports had not spiked to exploit the levy change. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned why historical Special Commodity Levy data from 2007 onwards was not readily available for decisions on levy changes, while acknowledging post-sugar tax scandal reforms including the Food Policy and Security Committee and the Treasury’s National Tariff Policy Committee. He stressed the need for confidentiality in tariff decisions to prevent market manipulation, but raised concern over the removal of Trade and Investment Policy Director-General Pradeep Kumara, alleging it followed his refusal to impose levies without due procedure. He requested that Kumara be reinstated if proper process had been followed. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on potato and big onion cultivation, stating that domestic production in 2024 met about 20% of potato demand and 3% of big onion demand, while imports in January-August 2025 totalled 128,898 MT of potatoes and 217,736 MT of big onions. He said Special Commodity Levy adjustments during harvest periods are used to protect farm-gate prices from import surges and that detailed import, levy and revenue data will be tabled after obtaining information from Inland Revenue and Customs. He outlined the approval process under the National Tariff Policy and Cabinet decisions in August 2025, and said the Government intends to introduce seasonal taxation for selected food items to balance farmer protection with consumer prices during off-harvest periods. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition questioned the Government’s decision, by Gazette of 25 August 2025, to raise the Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions and potatoes, arguing that it increases costs for consumers while its benefit to local farmers remains unclear. He asked for data on the number of onion and potato farmers, harvesting seasons, 2024 production volumes, and the share of domestic demand met locally. He also requested details of relief provided through the levy, whether it adequately protects farmers, and historical data since 2007 on imports, duties, Gazette notifications, and revenue, including figures for August 2025. Oral Question: Government Schools in Eastern Province - Teacher Vacancies (Q.1112/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) 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 figures on Land Reform Commission lands in the Kegalle District, stating that the district has 55,884 acres and 1 rood of high lands and 253 acres and 3 roods of paddy lands. He said 13 acres, 1 rood and 30.8 perches have been allocated for industrial purposes, including mini hydro power plants, a power plant, and a telecommunications tower, and listed the relevant allottees and lease details. He further stated that about 667 acres remain unused for development, that alternative lands have been distributed, and that the list of recipients was tabled. Oral Question: LRC Lands Allocated for Industrial Purposes - Kegalle District (Q.1250/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) 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 figures on land ownership and permits in the Kilinochchi District in response to Question No. 1178/2025. He stated that 46,787 families occupy 19,525.718 hectares, with 1,850 families issued freehold deeds under the “Nidahas Himikama” programme and 477 further applications being processed. He also noted that 12,748.57 hectares of paddy and dry lands are held under permits, and that there is insufficient data to assess the impact on access to mortgages or loans. Oral Question: Lands in Kilinochchi District - Freehold Deeds or Land Permits (Q.1178/2025) Read →
- 9 September 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation presented the 2022 Performance Report of the Department of Agrarian Development. 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 Tabled and Committee Reports Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said the Government was committed to reconciliation and human rights for all communities, linking that commitment to development initiatives in the North, East and Hill Country. He outlined land-related measures including the “Himakama” programme for titles and permits, planned issuance of titles for 700 LRC lands in Mannar, and discussions to release gazetted forest lands being used as farmland. He also cited irrigation and water projects such as Pahala Malwathu Oya, “Chari Mahima,” and the planned Mundeni Aru project as measures to support cultivation, flood control, drinking water supply and reconciliation through development. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa argued that the Government is committed to protecting human rights by uniting all communities and rejected political approaches based on ethnicity or separatism, including framing issues solely around Sinhala- and Tamil-speaking peoples. He said Tamil and Muslim grievances, including justice for Muslims expelled from the North, should be resolved through discussion with the Government rather than divisive politics. He also cited ongoing development measures in Ampara, including the guaranteed paddy price, road improvements, housing for poor families, and Rs. 900 million for the Gal Oya scheme. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary In response to a question on grazing land in the Vanni District, the Deputy Minister said District Development Committees are coordinating with the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife Conservation to allocate suitable forest lands to livestock farmers once formally released. He stated that these lands, along with unused or underutilized State lands where needed, would be managed under departmental guidelines, with technical support from animal production and veterinary authorities and plans to rehabilitate or establish water sources. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation on shortages of grazing land affecting livestock farmers in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi. He said traditional grazing areas remain under military control or otherwise inaccessible, while delays in releasing State lands, water scarcity, inadequate veterinary services and limited pasture facilities have worsened conditions. He asked what steps would be taken to allocate grazing lands, manage pastures, improve veterinary and technical support, release unused State or military-controlled land, and develop pasture and water-source projects. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about delays in issuing freehold deeds under the “Urumaya” Programme to landowners who had handed over land permits, grants and deeds to the Government. He sought clarification on whether the Government accepts that no action has been taken, what steps have been taken to establish entitlement, whether there is a timeframe for completing the process, and how affected individuals can obtain updates on the status of their documents. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Bimal Rathnayake tabled a written answer on plantation lands in Monaragala District. The answer stated that Kurunegala, Elkaduwa and Puttalam Plantation Companies manage no lands there, while 1,754.02 hectares have been leased by JEDB and SLSPC to Hapugastenne and Namunukula Plantation Companies. It further stated that no portions of those Monaragala lands have been sub-leased, making the remaining sub-questions not applicable. Oral Questions (Second Round and Standing Order 27(2) Questions) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani questioned the failure of a canal project that began about 15 years ago, noting that over 5 km of the canal remains dry despite substantial excavation and reported expenditure of Rs. 67.58 million. She said farmers have not received the intended water benefits or associated infrastructure such as roads along the banks, and asked whether a formal investigation would be initiated into the project. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) 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 answered questions on the Debara Ara feeder canal, stating that construction began in 2008 with an initial estimate of Rs. 67.58 million under the Lower Uva Medium and Minor Scale Irrigation Development Project, with procurement procedures followed. He named the four contractors and said the Department of Irrigation supervised the staged works, with excavated rock and soil reused for related irrigation and service-road purposes. He stated that although water had been delivered to the Debara Ara reservoir, the 6.5 km deep canal has silted due to rainfall, reduced demand and non-use of the upstream reach, requiring a special allocation for maintenance. He added that water is currently supplied to nearby fields, two minor tanks and about 200 acres of highlands, and that plans are in place to desilt the canal before the next rainy season. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock Resources, Lands and Irrigation for details on the Irrigation Department project to construct a canal from Kuda Oya to the Debara Ara reservoir in the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat Division. She sought information on the commencement date, allocation, funding sources, procurement process, technical supervision, contractor, disposal of excavated material, and whether the project’s intended objectives had been achieved, with a request to table relevant documentation. Oral Questions and Answers (Q.846/2025, Q.1024/2025, Q.1068/2025, Q.1070/2025, Q.1073/2025, Q.1076/2025, Q.1092/2025) Read →
- 22 August 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Plantations and Rural Infrastructure, Hon. Bimal Rathnayake presented the Palmyrah Development Board’s Annual Report for 2020. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Use of Resources, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented Read →