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 May 2026 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported Hon. Ravindra Bandara’s motion, noting that Sri Lanka’s pine plantations began in 1967 following earlier research and policy influences, reaching about 16,000 hectares by 1999 and providing timber, pulp and some foreign exchange savings. He said pine has since caused environmental concerns, including high water uptake, reduced rainfall percolation from needle litter, lowered groundwater and loss of biodiversity through monoculture. He stated that pine should be phased out, with current removal of 200–300 hectares annually reviewed by a committee including the NBRI, CEA, Forest Department and Water Resources Board to guide removal and replacement with suitable native broadleaf species. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir supported the motion, arguing that tree-planting policies should prioritise species suited to Sri Lanka’s varied climate and local needs. He said fast-growing trees planted in school “green revolution” programmes in Ampara had become hazardous, damaging buildings, while principals lacked funds and authority to remove them and State Timber Corporation procedures were slow and costly. He proposed arrangements to remove dangerous trees and encouraged planting economically useful or native species, including along riverbanks, to support local production and national benefit. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara seconded the motion and argued that pine and eucalyptus plantations have caused significant ecological damage in Sri Lanka, particularly in the central highlands, while contributing little to national timber demand. He stated that these invasive plantings destroy habitats, affect water sources and downstream agriculture, and may destabilize slopes after felling. He called for their systematic removal. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara moved a resolution calling for pine plantations, particularly in the hill country and Uva Province, to be removed and replaced with productive indigenous cultivations due to their impact on water sources and ecosystems. He argued that pine and eucalyptus plantations disrupt biodiversity, soil health, and hydrological cycles, contributing to erosion, reduced springs, and fire risk, while earlier promised economic benefits had not materialized. He proposed a phased, scientific removal process over five to six years, using strip removal, soil rehabilitation, community participation, and gradual restoration of native forest. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri argued that Sri Lanka should learn from Vietnam’s advanced agricultural methods to improve yields, food security, and an agriculture-based economy, noting that the country still imports rice and that such technologies should be taught through universities. He called for modernizing traditional agriculture while retaining national identity and questioned whether university education is being effectively directed toward national development. He also highlighted the value of vocational and technical skills in vehicle repair and upgrading, proposing an island-wide expansion of the University of Vocational Technology to support youth employment and economic productivity. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan said emergency relief for Ditha cyclone victims had not reached estate communities and welcomed the President’s planned visit to Nuwara Eliya. He argued that land rights for estate-line communities remain the core solution to many estate problems, and called for equal enforcement of the law against estate officials accused of assaulting workers. He also requested intervention on low potato prices and imports affecting Nuwara Eliya farmers, provision of fire engines for estate and industrial areas after the Brookside Estate factory fire, and noted the importance of continued ties with Tamil Nadu. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Aboobucker Athambawa supported extending the state of emergency under the Public Security Ordinance, citing the severe impact of Cyclone “Ditva” on lives, housing, livelihoods, agriculture, roads, railways, tanks, canals, bunds and bridges. He said the Government was providing compensation to farmers, fishers and affected households, restoring damaged infrastructure through the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme and relevant state agencies, and managing these efforts despite economic pressures and global instability. He urged Opposition cooperation, stating that emergency powers were being used responsibly to meet public needs. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer regarding Vaddakkachchi Agriculture School and Farm, stating that it falls under the Northern Provincial Ministry and that the central Ministry does not hold primary land data. He reported that 52 acres are currently under the Northern Provincial Department of Agriculture and 165 acres under the Civil Security Department, with steps required among relevant central, provincial and district authorities to release the latter for provincial agricultural development programmes. He also stated that proposals to operationalise 416 acres have been submitted for approval and funding, and outlined ongoing crop varietal research and livestock genetic improvement efforts, noting that new animal breed discovery research is not currently undertaken. Ministry Statements: Agriculture, Poverty Alleviation Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB AI summary Ananda Wijepala tabled a written answer stating that Civil Security Department agricultural farms are maintained only in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya Districts, and provided district-wise details of land extents and personnel. He said there is no interference by Civil Security personnel in the daily lives of people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and that no request has been received to hand over CSD farms in the Northern Province to the Northern Provincial Council. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan) SJB AI summary The Member asked the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to provide details on Civil Security Department agricultural farms in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, including their locations, extent and personnel employed. He also asked whether the Minister was aware of security forces’ interference in daily life in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and sought reasons and a timeline for handing over military-operated farms to the Northern Provincial Council. Second Round of Oral Questions (Q.10 and Tabled Answers) Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam raised concerns about the Peraru Reservoir project in Vavuniya, stating that farming families who donated paddy lands on assurances of alternate land, title deeds, and access roads have still not received deeds after 13 years. He asked whether the Ministry would provide the promised access roads and a flyover or bridge, noting that spill water during rains prevents farmers from reaching their new fields. Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody stated that a separate process exists for caring for aged and sick animals, supported by recurrent expenditure on medicines and required facilities. He indicated that any identified shortcomings in this system would be addressed. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran linked the debate to the Tamil community’s continued demands for justice, remembrance of civilians killed in the war, political detainees, and missing persons, and appealed to the international community for accountability. Addressing the Bill on rescuing and rehabilitating distressed enterprises and individuals, he welcomed its objective of reviving MSMEs and protecting jobs, but urged that its procedures be equally accessible to MSMEs and individuals in the Vanni and other affected regions. He cited the exclusion of broadcast-seeded paddy cultivation from relevant agricultural and insurance circulars as an example of regional neglect, and called for the Bill’s implementation to ensure regional equity, awareness, and access. Debate: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency (Corporate and Personal) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the impact of Cyclone “Ditwah” on the 2025/26 Maha season and the risk to the 2026 Yala cultivation, noting reduced cultivated extent, crop damage, and possible rice shortages. He asked the Agriculture Minister for official rice production and availability forecasts, district-wise details of relief and compensation, and measures to ensure timely Yala cultivation in severely affected Northern, Eastern and Central Province districts. He also highlighted delays and inadequacies in fertilizer distribution, especially in Batticaloa, and urged urgent action to prevent farmers being forced to buy fertilizer privately at higher prices. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Points of Order Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary For a question on tea sector development funding, the Minister tabled figures showing that Budget 2025 allocated Rs. 900 million, supplemented by Rs. 5,947.4 million from Sri Lanka Tea Board institutional funds, for a total of Rs. 6,847.4 million. The allocations cover activities including new planting, replanting, infilling, factory modernization, research, promotion, marketing, and support for small and medium growers, with detailed provincial and district breakdowns tabled. He further stated that Budget 2026 provides Rs. 1,190 million for the tea industry, with an additional Rs. 4,946.34 million from Tea Board institutional funds. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1/885/2025 deferred; Q.5/1763/2025 absent; Tea Industry Budget Provisions) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi (on behalf of the Hon. Lal Premanath) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to provide detailed allocations from the 2025 Budget for development and improvement of the tea industry, including province-wise and selected district-wise breakdowns. Sought the percentage distribution for new cultivation and re-cultivation, factory modernization, research, marketing, relief for small and medium cultivators, and other related sectors. Also requested the total allocation for the tea industry in the 2026 Budget, or reasons if that information cannot be provided. Oral Questions: Second Round (Q.1/885/2025 deferred; Q.5/1763/2025 absent; Tea Industry Budget Provisions) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said potato farmers in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla-Bandarawela are facing downward price pressure during the harvesting season, while Lanka Sathosa is already buying local potatoes at about Rs. 235 and the Rs. 80 duty on imported potatoes remains in place. He stated that the Ministry would meet with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, and Lanka Sathosa to establish a purchasing mechanism, including a fixed farmer price, and would also engage private retail networks. He added that the Government plans to purchase more than 100 metric tons of local potatoes per day to support farmers. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Farmers in the central highlands, particularly in Nuwara Eliya, are currently harvesting potatoes and facing price issues in some areas. The Member asked whether a mechanism exists to purchase potatoes at a fair price. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said agricultural marketing centres previously managed by multiple authorities and landowners have been brought under a single fully state-owned entity with a unified legal and procedural framework. He rejected claims that a private company was being created, and said the objective is to improve facilities such as packaging, help farmers bring produce to market, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize consumer prices. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister answered that no prior entity existed, but all Specialized Economic Centres had been amalgamated into a fully state-owned company, National Agri-Marketing Services Limited, established under the Companies Act on 9 October 2025 with shares held by the Secretary to the Treasury. He detailed the nine-member Board appointment structure and the Governance Committees to be set up for each centre, including district officials, local authorities, police, agriculture officials, trader and farmer representatives, and ministerial representatives. He said the expected benefits include stabilising agricultural markets, improving leasing and infrastructure for storage, sale and distribution, ensuring regulatory compliance, providing common services, and establishing market information systems on prices and quantities. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →