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 July 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 the Kumbukkan Oya Reservoir Project, stating that its foundation was laid in August 2019 and annual allocations from 2020 to 2023 totalled Rs. 628 million, against an estimated total cost of Rs. 32.397 billion. He said the project is expected to benefit 9,200 farming families, alternative lands and a resettlement plan have been identified, and the Monaragala District Secretary is taking related action. He added that project works were concluded on 31 May 2023, a RAMP Committee had completed its work, and further implementation would depend on future budgetary allocations. Oral Question: Kumbukkan Oya Project (Q.5) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena SJB AI summary Hon. W.H.M. Dharmasena asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on the Kumbukkan Oya Project, including its commencement date, funding allocated for developing the Nakkala Anicut under the previous Yahapalana Government, and the number of farming families expected to benefit. He also sought information on whether alternative lands have been provided to landowners affected by reservoir submergence and what steps will be taken to restart the stalled development work. Oral Question: Kumbukkan Oya Project (Q.5) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha supported the Companies (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would help address past practices such as importing caraway and pepper for re-export, which he said disadvantaged local farmers. He highlighted the sharp decline in Sri Lanka’s pepper harvest and the resulting hardship for farmers in districts including Ratnapura, Matara, Monaragala, Kandy, and Matale. He called for a targeted programme through agricultural and export development institutions to provide technology, fertilizer, agro-chemicals, and knowledge transfer to improve pepper yields and increase foreign exchange earnings. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary During debate on the Companies (Amendment) Bill, Imran Maharoof raised the situation in Muthunagar, Trincomalee, where he said long-standing farming families have been affected by land being allocated to private companies, including for solar-related works. He said over 350 residents and more than 1,000 family members had cultivated the area for decades and cited local institutions as evidence of long-term settlement. He urged the Government to stop attributing the issue to previous administrations and to provide a remedy, proposing compensation, alternative land, or allocation of remaining land for affected cultivators. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns regarding the proposed 33-year lease of the Thambuttegama Economic Centre, including permission for sub-leasing, and the possible transfer of state assets to a private company. He said farmers and traders fear that assets developed over 22 years, within a wider network of 13–14 economic centres valued at about Rs. 6 billion, may be handed over without proper stakeholder consultation. He requested the Minister to clarify the Cabinet decision and provide assurances to affected farmers and traders. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the eviction of around 1,000 farming families in Trincomalee from 800 acres cultivated since 1972, alleging the lands were handed to solar power ventures without due process and that farmers were intimidated through legal and police action. He requested compensation, permits for remaining lands or alternative fertile land, and an immediate halt to the expropriation, while clarifying that he was not opposing renewable energy. He tabled documents, newspaper reports and photographs, and urged Government MPs and authorities to provide solutions for residents of Taharavettuvan, Maththiyaveli and Muththunagar. He also began raising concerns from traders at the Thambuttegama Economic Centre about the management of economic centres, asking Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to address them. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary While supporting corporate accountability measures, Sajith Premadasa raised concerns about alleged abuse involving land used by about 1,000 farming families in Trincomalee and Kaddaiparichchan since 1972. He said court action and eviction orders since 2024-2025 are being used to remove cultivators from about 800 acres, despite their long-term use of the land and receipt of fertilizer subsidies and cultivation loans. He objected to evictions reportedly linked to a proposed 200-acre solar power project, stating that renewable energy should not come at the expense of long-standing farmers. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe explained that guaranteed paddy prices are set with input from farmer organizations and stakeholders, with Rs. 120 per kg for dry paddy and Rs. 102 per kg for moist paddy reflecting drying losses. He noted supply-chain pressures including limited Paddy Marketing Board storage, private storage dependence, industrial use of paddy, population and dietary changes, and said the Government is providing Rs. 40 billion in seasonal credit while helping small and medium millers access bank facilities. He stated that rice imports are considered only when local supply is inadequate and that the Government is working with the Consumer Affairs Authority to stabilize the market, particularly for Keeri Samba. Ministerial Statement: Government Policies on Paddy Purchase and Rice Import Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the rationale for rice imports despite reported domestic production exceeding requirements, and proposed a scientific review of the production, procurement and distribution cycle. He asked the Government to re-examine paddy production cost estimates, citing input costs, crop losses and human–wildlife conflict, and urged legislation to make guaranteed paddy prices legally enforceable. He also called for investment in post-harvest technology, continuous updating of agricultural data, and concessional debt restructuring and working capital support for distressed small and medium rice millers. Ministerial Statement: Government Policies on Paddy Purchase and Rice Import Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to an SO 27(2) question on rice supply, stating that annual national rice demand is 2.4 million metric tons and expected production from the Yala and Maha seasons could reach about 2.7 million metric tons, with current PMB and Sathosa stocks and procurement continuing. He outlined district-level production costs, guaranteed paddy procurement prices, maximum retail rice prices, and said Rs. 6,000 million had been allocated for PMB purchases with additional funding possible if needed. He also reported that 101,267.56 metric tons of rice had been imported up to 13 July 2025 and referred to crop insurance and programmes to reduce crop losses, with detailed responses tabled in the Library. Ministerial Statement: Government Policies on Paddy Purchase and Rice Import Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that responses were being prepared to questions raised on 9 July 2025 by Hon. Sajith Premadasa and Hon. Shritharan. He said data on red onions had been obtained from relevant departments but the full answer was still pending and would be provided within the week. He also informed the House that the response to Hon. Premadasa’s question was lengthy and asked whether it should be read out or tabled. Ministerial Statement: Government Policies on Paddy Purchase and Rice Import Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, it was stated that lands in specified Divisional Secretary’s Divisions had been granted to several private and public entities, including garment, rubber, tea, industrial, and fertilizer-related enterprises. The leases were issued under Section 22(1)(a) of the Land Reform Law No. 1 of 1972, and no further applicable details were provided for part (b) of the question. Oral Question: Grant of LRC Lands for Factory Establishment (Q.10/2025 – 997/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe addressed recurring concerns over Land Reform Commission lands, noting problems such as missing files, poor record management, and underuse of land. He said the Government is developing an orderly process to allocate LRC lands for industries, agro-industries and investment, and to grant ownership to current residents where appropriate. He proposed that District and Divisional Coordinating Committees oversee and question LRC officers on land matters in each district to improve implementation. Oral Question: Transfer of LRC Lands to Private Individuals (Q.7/2025 – 869/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara raised concerns about idle lands and the need to use them for future industrial and agricultural development. He asked what plans exist for proper land utilization and management, whether procedures will be centralized, and whether a district-wise roadmap will be provided. Oral Question: Transfer of LRC Lands to Private Individuals (Q.7/2025 – 869/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation, responding on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, stated that the answers to parts (a)(i) to (v) of the question were provided in Annexes 1 to 5, which were tabled. He indicated that part (b) was not applicable. Oral Question: Transfer of LRC Lands to Private Individuals (Q.7/2025 – 869/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide detailed information on lands in the Southern Province transferred to the Land Reform Commission at its establishment, broken down by Divisional Secretary’s Division. The question seeks data on sub-50-acre lands transferred to private individuals, including recipients, extents, and whether transfers were for business or agricultural purposes, as well as lands still undisposed, lands under legal proceedings, and lands requested for new projects. Oral Question: Transfer of LRC Lands to Private Individuals (Q.7/2025 – 869/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary A comprehensive plan is being prepared for a new value-addition process involving both the Government and private sector. The Ministry is examining the re-utilization of the warehouse and related resources, and stated that legal action will be taken if any misuse is found. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Eppawala rock phosphate was described as a national resource that cannot be used directly for short-term crops, requiring processing into Single Super Phosphate. The Government has obtained Cabinet approval in principle, addressed legal issues with Attorney-General guidance, and submitted a Cabinet Paper to call Expressions of Interest from the private sector for production. The stated objective is to reduce fertilizer imports and ensure public benefit from the deposit. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Lanka Phosphate Limited had not directly exported rock phosphate, but 29,882.05 metric tons of Eppawala rock phosphate were sold in 2023 and 2024 to three local companies for export purposes. The response, given on behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, identified the companies as D.M. Traders, Disaru International Engineering Company (Pvt) Limited, and Ichiban (Pvt) Limited. Oral Question: Export of Rock Phosphate (Q.5/2025 – 857/2025) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister acknowledged shortages of technical officers in the Department of Agrarian Development and the North Western Provincial Department of Irrigation, including in Kurunegala, and said these shortages have affected implementation. He stated that recruitment approvals have been granted under the Government’s broader plan to recruit 30,000 officers, with additional requests submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office review committee. He added that some foreign-funded projects are supporting technical staff recruitment, that redeployment is being used as an interim measure, and that the Ministry will examine the Kurunegala situation and report back. Oral Question: Reservoirs and Tank Management (Q.3/2025 – 794/2025) Read →