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 July 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan defended the Government’s regulations permitting salt imports, arguing that reduced production was caused by weather conditions and disrupted coastal salt pans, including in Puttalam, affecting fisheries and dried fish producers. He said Ministers acted promptly to protect affected industries and that imports were necessary but are now being limited. He rejected Opposition criticism over salt, rice and coconut imports, stating that the Government is making need-based decisions while pursuing broader plans to strengthen exports and increase domestic production. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella criticized the Government’s authorization, under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act regulations, to import bulk salt without licences or quantitative limits from 19 May 2025. She argued that this contradicted the NPP’s stated policy of building a production economy, citing increased imports of rice, coconut products, milk powder and salt despite earlier opposition to such imports. She questioned why Sri Lanka, as an island nation, continued to face a prolonged salt shortage and asked why the Consumer Affairs Authority had not acted against high retail prices, noting a large gap between estimated import-related costs and market prices. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath supported approval of regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to permit salt imports, citing a decline in domestic production caused by unusually heavy rainfall and changed climatic conditions in Hambantota, which normally supplies about 60 per cent of national salt output. He stated that Sri Lanka’s annual requirement is about 180,000 metric tons and that imports are needed until the expected July–September harvest, estimated at about 50,000 metric tons subject to weather, is processed and ready for market. He defended debating the matter in Parliament as part of democratic decision-making and accused previous administrations of mismanagement and politicization in the salt sector, while saying the Government would consider constructive proposals. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana criticized the handling of salt imports, arguing that delayed action and later permission for unlimited imports by selected companies led to excess stocks and large trader profits while retail prices remained high. He also opposed rice imports during the harvest season, saying they undermine farmers’ ability to sell paddy. He alleged unfair political conduct in local authority formations in Kalutara and questioned the Government’s alliances with controversial political figures, urging it not to abuse its parliamentary mandate. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila supported the salt import regulations as a temporary response to reduced local production caused by climatic conditions, stating that the Government had stabilized the shortage and would act legally while considering producers and traders. He argued that wider food import issues, including potatoes, onions, pulses and chilies, were inherited from past economic and agricultural mismanagement and said the Government aims to reduce such imports within two to three years. He cited programmes to expand domestic production, including maize cultivation in Monaragala, coconut planting in Jaffna and minor export crop development, and maintained that the Government is pursuing an integrated plan to strengthen production and curb corruption. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera criticized regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act related to salt imports, arguing that the Government is prioritizing imports over domestic production and failing to support exporters or local industries despite its stated “production economy” policy. He questioned the absence of concrete plans for fisheries, salt production, and related industries, and asked what action would be taken regarding the alleged improper release of “red-labelled” containers during port congestion. He also criticized reported plans for new casino operations and tax concessions, saying they contradicted earlier government positions, and urged relief from taxes, VAT, and rising living costs. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 Hon. Ranna Gamaga AI summary Hon. Ranna Gamaga said heavy rainfall in Hambantota had disrupted the Bundala salt pans, reducing production and requiring planned salt imports, which he argued prevented a wider shortage and helped bring prices back down. He stated that the Government had correctly implemented the relevant regulations and was also working to restart the Elephant Pass Salt Factory as part of a broader production-economy strategy. He further highlighted Government efforts in tourism and fisheries, including district-level Fisheries Coordinating Committees and coordination with local authorities to address practical sectoral problems. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage defended the temporary relaxation of salt import restrictions under Gazette 2437/04, stating it was a Cabinet-approved measure to stabilize supply after a shortfall was anticipated in December 2024. He said the fisheries and dried fish sectors require substantial quantities of salt, citing an estimated 10,000 metric tons per month for processors in Negombo alone, and explained that salt production takes close to a year due to technical and climatic requirements. He noted that national production fell from 199,000 metric tons in 2022 to 103,000 metric tons in 2024, partly due to rainfall, while annual demand is about 180,000 metric tons for food and industrial uses. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the salt shortfall was a temporary result of climate-related disruptions and outdated domestic production methods, not a failure of the current Government, and noted that import restrictions were eased to address supply. He argued that the NPP Government had begun modernizing salterns, ensuring distribution through state channels, and stabilizing the economy after past mismanagement. He also highlighted Clean Sri Lanka initiatives in the estate sector, including rehabilitation of line rooms in Ratnapura with Rs. 112.5 million from sponsors, while reaffirming commitments to land rights, housing, inter-ethnic unity, and accountability for wrongdoing. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook said export products from the Kandy District, including tea, pepper and coffee, have strong potential but have suffered in the past from quality deterioration and adulteration. He stated that the Government is prioritizing exports, imports and tourism, noting discussions with the Australian High Commission on the potential for Sri Lankan coffee exports. He also addressed vehicle import issues linked to e-commerce, letters of credit, shipment dates and regulatory hurdles in Dubai, Singapore and Japan, saying around 300 vehicles had been cleared and another 300 remained at port. He said a committee had been appointed to resolve the matter quickly, including questions over demurrage and vehicles affected by earlier tax and duty changes. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s decision to import salt after 16 years, arguing that poor planning and mismanagement allowed domestic production to fall and prices to rise sharply despite existing State and private saltern capacity. He questioned the handling of container releases, Presidential pardons, and alleged passport fraud, accusing the Government of shifting blame to officials. He also opposed the 18% VAT on digital services from 1 October, saying it would affect youth earning online, and urged the Government to regularize rather than remove small tourism-related operators at Galle Face and Weligama while protecting domestic entrepreneurs and livelihoods. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha stated that the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act formalized a time-limited salt import decision made to address a weather-related production shortfall, not a new decision to import salt. She said government intervention stabilized supply and prices through limited imports, distribution, raids and standards checks, while rejecting Opposition claims of mismanagement and panic. She also addressed allegations regarding a Lotteries Board official residence and said the Salt Corporation, now under the Industries and SME Development Ministry, would be modernized to increase production, improve quality and potentially export surplus salt. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth used his maiden speech to thank party leaders and constituents and to state his intention to represent the rights of all communities, particularly in Pottuvil. He highlighted long-standing local issues including irrigation shortages, incomplete implementation of the Heda Oya Project, lack of land ownership documents affecting tourism livelihoods, and the division of the area into separate ethnic education zones, requesting a unified education zone. He also called for improved bus depot facilities, completion of staffing and services at the Pottuvil Base Hospital, appointment of a Land Officer, release of lands occupied during the war, and upgrading the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha to an Urban Council. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper allocated most of his speaking time to Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth and briefly addressed the Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act. He argued that salt should not be imported, citing Gandhi’s criticism of salt taxation, and proposed exempting salt from import licensing while setting a maximum import ceiling to encourage domestic production. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama supported the regulations permitting salt imports without licences, arguing that the measure was necessary due to weather-related production shortfalls in 2024 and early 2025. He said Sri Lanka is normally self-sufficient in salt, with production exceeding national demand, but rain had reduced evaporation at major salterns and enabled traders to exploit shortages. He noted salt demand is steady for both households and industry, and framed the Government’s response as addressing an artificial shortage. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan supported the temporary exemption of edible salt imports from licensing requirements to address shortages, while attributing the crisis to inadequate planning, climate-related disruptions and lack of contingency measures. He urged a national salt production and storage strategy, investment in harvesting infrastructure, climate-adaptive methods, stronger quality control, price oversight and support for local producers. He also called for transparent, regularly reviewed import-export regulations that balance consumer needs, domestic industry protection, SME stability and Sri Lanka’s broader shift toward industry-led exports. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/04 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act was issued to address a salt shortage and sharp retail price increases by permitting imports of 20,000 metric tonnes. He stated that imports were limited to consignments shipped by 10 June, distributed transparently through National Salt Ltd. to producers, industries and wholesalers, and helped reduce prices from about Rs. 300–350 per kilo to around Rs. 180–210, while generating tax revenue and a modest profit for the company. He defended the policy as necessary state intervention in an essential commodity affected by weather-dependent production, rejected allegations of ministerial profiteering, and tabled the imported salt distribution list for the Hansard. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister moved approval of Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/04 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to temporarily relax salt import restrictions following a weather-related domestic shortage. He said the measure allowed household and industrial salt imports without licences for consignments shipped before 10 June 2025, helping end market queues, contain prices, and restore supply. He noted reported regulatory breaches by some importers, pending Customs entries for about 29,900 metric tonnes, and quality testing of containers by standards authorities, with non-compliant or irregular stocks liable for re-export. He also stated that the Government would support accelerated domestic salt production, mechanization, quality improvement, and export-oriented value addition with private sector participation. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera questioned the failure of 207 out of 781 tea nurseries established under a 25 million plants project by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the STDA, noting that nursery failure undermines tea cultivation. He alleged that past allocations were made for political favour, causing financial losses, and asked what action would be taken regarding the failed nurseries and how future nursery allocations would be directed to suitable recipients. Oral Question: Tea Replanting and Infilling (2014-2018) Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Agriculture Sector Modernization Project, funded by a World Bank loan of about USD 48.6 million from 2017 to 2024, required further study before a detailed answer could be given. He reported alleged irregularities, fraud and misuse of funds for projects linked to former Ministers, noting that some beneficiaries are now in loan default lists. He said about USD 5 million had effectively been wasted due to unsuccessful implementation, and that legal action and a Cabinet memorandum for further action were being prepared. Oral Question: Tea Replanting and Infilling (2014-2018) Read →