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- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns over unsold sugar stocks at state sugar institutions, stating that about 2,000 metric tons of the reported 23,000 metric tons had expired and that remaining stocks had been stored for over a year. He argued that changes to distribution systems, falling sugar and molasses sales, and inadequate regulation of sugar and molasses imports had contributed to losses and market congestion. He asked what immediate action the Government would take to dispose of existing stocks, address the crisis at the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories, and ensure funds are available to pay and support farmers. Oral Question: State-Owned Sugar Companies (Q.191/2024) Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister answered a question on Sri Lanka’s sugar industry, stating that four sugar companies exist, of which Hingurana Sugar Industries and Kantale Sugar Company are not operational. He reported that Sri Lanka imported 564 million kg of sugar in 2024 at a cost of Rs. 112 billion, and about 140 million kg in January–February 2025 at about Rs. 24.757 billion, while current stocks stood at 23,696 MT of sugar and 2.35 million litres of ethanol. He outlined measures to increase domestic production, including expanding cultivation, establishing a 1,000-hectare breeder seed farm, improving agronomic practices, introducing modern irrigation and mechanization, expanding factory crushing capacity by 2,500 tons per day, and raising sugar recovery to 8 percent. Oral Question: State-Owned Sugar Companies (Q.191/2024) Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe — Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development AI summary The Minister said Dedicated Economic Centres are operating inconsistently, with only 14 of 18 functioning and some managed by Provincial Councils outside a unified system. He stated that although about Rs. 1.4 billion in public funds had been spent on these centres, revenue was not being returned to the Treasury due to varied trust-based collection practices. He announced Cabinet approval to regularize the centres through a Management Board and government company, introduce real-time digital price displays, adjust operating hours, and work with transporters to reduce delays, damage, and market costs. Oral Question: Dedicated Economic Centres (Q.12/2024) Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi questioned whether Dedicated Economic Centres have fulfilled their intended role in practice, noting that farmers face transport losses and unfair prices while intermediaries capture large margins between farm-gate and urban retail prices. He asked whether the relevant Cabinet paper includes measures to ensure fair producer prices, reduce post-harvest losses, improve logistics, protect consumers, and properly regularize Centres in major farming areas. Oral Question: Dedicated Economic Centres (Q.12/2024) Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe — Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development AI summary The Minister answered that there are 18 economic centres across the country, listing their locations from Narahenpita and Piliyandala to Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Batticaloa. He said their purposes include providing marketing facilities for rural producers, improving product quality, supporting fair trade, reducing intermediary influence, managing shortages and surpluses, and lowering transport costs and post-harvest losses. He added that shortcomings have been identified and that Cabinet approval has been obtained for a memorandum to establish a more efficient, accountable framework for managing and regularizing the centres. Oral Question: Dedicated Economic Centres (Q.12/2024) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence said the Government is taking complaints about theft of fish catch and damage to fishing equipment along the Eastern coast seriously, with the Navy, Coast Guard, Police and fisheries authorities conducting operations against illegal activity. He cited the arrest of two suspects in Kaluwanchikudy on 2 June and requested public cooperation and information to support enforcement. He said proposals such as designating landing points, improving registration and monitoring of vessels and gear, and considering engine-power reductions would be examined, while noting operational constraints caused by the lack of nearby functioning harbours. He also announced that Captain S.D. Kodikara had been appointed to coordinate naval operations and that Navy contact points had been established in several eastern coastal areas. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the motion on threats to fishermen’s livelihoods, recalling that similar concerns were raised in 2022 and that promised enforcement action had not resolved the issue. He identified an enforcement gap between Fisheries Inspectors and Police and proposed joint operations with the Navy, while clarifying that the alleged group was from the Kaluwanchikudy Divisional Secretariat area rather than the village itself. He also highlighted wider fisheries infrastructure needs in Batticaloa, including a beacon light at Kaluvankerni and more landing sites, and said he was prepared to work with relevant development authorities and seek possible World Bank support. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. Hizbullah supported the Adjournment Motion and raised concerns about recurring robberies of deep-sea fishermen from areas including Sainthamaruthu, Oluvil, Poonochchimunai, Kattankudy, Valachchenai and Trincomalee by coastal gangs seizing fish and fishing gear. He said the Fisheries Department and local organisations had identified suspects and submitted complaints, including to the President, but legal action had been limited due to reported procedural hurdles affecting Navy intervention. He urged immediate coordination between the relevant Minister, Defence authorities and the Navy to prevent these incidents and protect affected fishermen. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan supported the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill as a step toward streamlining transport services, while highlighting persistent problems in the North and East, including clashes between private and SLTB bus timetables, racing for passengers, and inadequate services for schoolchildren. He urged the Government to import or provide new buses, improve rural routes and rehabilitate local roads so students, teachers and farmers can access schools and markets more effectively. He also requested that jewellery and valuables from the former LTTE bank, now reportedly transferred from Naval custody to the Police, be returned to proven rightful owners through legal procedures, with any unclaimed remainder used for regional development. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan noted that transport issues had been raised at District Coordinating Committee meetings, leading the DCC Chairman, Government Agent and officials to hold special meetings to streamline related decisions. He highlighted severe transport shortages in parts of the adjacent Anuradhapura District, including Welikollawa, Mugiriyaawa and Tanakawaewa, affecting farmers and students, and requested special SLTB bus services for those areas. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Government is working with the Coconut Research Institute and the Coconut Development Authority to raise average coconut yields from about 45 nuts per tree to 60–70 within five years through fertilizer use, moisture conservation and water supply. He said replanting is being undertaken for long-term national demand, while short-term gains are expected by rehabilitating neglected large estates in areas such as Kurunegala and Puttalam through owner engagement, inputs, training, credit and equipment support. He added that the Coconut Estate Rehabilitation Program aims to increase output from existing trees within one to two years toward a target of 4,200 million nuts, supported by detailed planning based on tree counts and required numbers. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the Minister’s reply but questioned whether the Government has a short-term plan to improve coconut productivity, noting that exporter demand is already about 4,000 million nuts against a 2030 target of 4,200 million. He argued that imports may be necessary to support exporters but said the priority should be closing Sri Lanka’s yield gap with India through measures such as hybrid seedlings and drip irrigation, which he said had shown success in areas such as Monaragala. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna – Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure AI summary The Minister provided coconut production figures for 2014–2024 and said the Coconut Research Institute forecasts 2,700–2,800 million nuts in 2025, attributing the decline to poor estate management, inadequate fertilizer use, ageing palms, climate impacts, and pests and diseases. He said the Government aims to raise production to 4,200 million nuts by 2030 and earn USD 1.5 billion in exports through a UNIDO-supported 10-year roadmap and five-year strategic plan. He outlined subsidized fertilizer distribution, seedling programmes, model plantations, irrigation and moisture-conservation projects, concessional finance, pest and nutrient management measures, and expansion into non-traditional coconut-growing areas. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on the decline in Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, citing reduced yields from weather impacts, fertilizer shortages, pests, and aging plantations, and noting effects on coconut-based exports and rural livelihoods. He requested updated production and export statistics for 2024 and 2025, assessments of the causes of decline, and details of Ministry action on inputs, smallholder support, credit, intercropping, cultivation expansion, and productivity technology. He also asked whether the Government would establish a Coconut Industry Revitalization Task Force and provide relief or restructuring support for coconut aggregators and exporters to maintain markets and meet international standards. Questions by Private Notice: Coconut Industry and Northern Provincial Health Service (Q.27(2)) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the Ministry has launched the “Irrigation Pride – Our Heritage” irrigation development project, with Rs. 78,000 million allocated in the Budget and 42 Mahaweli Authority tanks scheduled for rehabilitation this year. He said he could not confirm how many tanks in Dehiattakandiya are included, but indicated that any omitted tanks could be considered for the 2026 Budget and that prioritized proposals could be obtained from the Mahaweli Authority’s “C” Zone Regional Engineer. Oral Question: Dehiattakandiya Land Rights (Deputy Minister Agriculture Response) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe asked whether the Government has prepared a programme to expedite rehabilitation of the 22 small tanks serving 45 villages in Dehiattakandiya, Mahaweli Zone “C”. She noted that the area, established in 1982 and heavily dependent on agriculture, cultivates about 12,000 hectares of paddy per season, but irrigation capacity has declined because the tanks have not been rehabilitated for around 30 years and are silted. Oral Question: Dehiattakandiya Land Rights (Deputy Minister Agriculture Response) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Under the Agriculture Ministry’s “Wari Mahima” irrigation restoration programme, rehabilitation of Gal Oya in the Sainthamaruthu–Nainakadu area of Ampara is commencing under the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture. The member noted that numerous embankment breaches had been reported in Ampara and said funds had been allocated for related works in another inspected area, which are expected to begin within about one and a half months. Oral Question: Main Canal from Deegawapiya to Kaliodai Reconstruction (Q.702/2025) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that paddy lands had been damaged during the rainy season due to river outfalls being blocked by paddy cultivation, lowered bunds, and cultivation within river reservations, leading to bund breaches. He said estimates for repairs and reconstruction were being prepared, and that work at the breached locations would begin after the Yala harvesting season. Oral Question: Main Canal from Deegawapiya to Kaliodai Reconstruction (Q.702/2025) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about the reconstruction of the main canal from Deegawapiya to Kaliodai. He sought information on whether the Government plans to rehabilitate or reconstruct the canal, the expected timeframe, and related measures to support irrigation and agricultural activities in the area. Oral Question: Main Canal from Deegawapiya to Kaliodai Reconstruction (Q.702/2025) Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary The Annual Performance Report of the Department of Export Agriculture for 2023 was presented on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation. It was 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: Annual Performance Reports Read →