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- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara argued that effective governance requires reliable data, but said the Government’s claims on data, digitization, and economic progress were not reflected in outcomes. He cited the closure of around 250 tea factories, problems at Sevanagala Sugar Factory, onion import clearances during the local harvest, and unmet paddy purchasing targets as examples of policy failure and lack of production data. He also questioned the status of initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and alleged that local authority control was being secured through political pressure rather than reflecting voters’ choices. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that the Government is operating within IMF fiscal parameters and cannot selectively exempt one industry from VAT without creating a precedent. He said options are being examined to limit VAT to actual factory-level value addition or reimburse VAT through the Treasury, estimated at Rs. 1.3 billion annually. He added that any reimbursement would require an offsetting revenue plan to meet revenue-to-GDP and primary surplus targets, with proposals to be included in a report to the President covering revenue from exports, tourism, and organic brown sugar. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned why domestic sugar production is subject to 18 per cent VAT while imported sugar is charged only a Rs. 50 Special Commodity Levy. He challenged the Minister’s statement that the tax is an IMF condition and urged the Government, consistent with its election pledge to consult on an amended IMF agreement, to negotiate with the IMF to remove the VAT and develop a workable plan for the domestic sugar industry. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti said locally produced sugar became subject to VAT from 1 January 2024 as part of a broader rationalization of exemptions, but argued that VAT removal alone would not address the sector’s difficulties. He stated that the Government has maintained farmer cane payments and employee benefits, fixed State-sector ethanol sales to distilleries at Rs. 800 per litre, and plans to establish a floor price for brown sugar while curbing mislabelled imports. He also said the Government will not privatize the Pelwatte and Sevanagala factories, and is preparing measures including brown sugar exports, market standardization, tourism-related use of factory lands, and resolution of land title issues to restore profitability. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti provided data in response to the Opposition Leader on Sri Lanka’s sugar industry, identifying Pelwatte and Sevanagala as state factories, Ethimale as private, and Gal Oya as a public-private partnership. He tabled production figures showing Lanka Sugar Company produced 39,721 metric tons in 2024, about 6.03% of national sugar demand of 658,678 metric tons. He stated that imports were mainly refined white sugar, with 564 million kg imported in 2024 and 140 million kg from January to February 2025, and clarified that imported sugar is subject to a Rs. 50 per kg Special Commodity Levy while local sugar bears 18% VAT and 2.5% SSCL. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on challenges facing Sri Lanka’s domestic sugar industry, particularly affecting about 250,000 people in the Uva-Wellassa region. He asked the Government for data on Lanka Sugar Company factories, domestic production, imports, tax treatment, reported losses at Gal Oya, Ethimale, Pelwatte and Sevanagala, and the profitability plan for State-owned sugar institutions. He questioned why locally produced sugar and ethanol are subject to VAT and other taxes while imported sugar is reportedly treated more favourably, and requested urgent action to reduce losses, protect cane farmers, and address ethanol pricing and tax burdens. Private Notice Question: VAT on Locally Produced Sugar Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary The Minister outlined progress and funding for the North-Central and North-Western Great Canals, noting limited results despite significant ADB-funded expenditure over the past decade. He said Rs. 7,800 million has been allocated under “Vāri Mahima – Our Heritage” for irrigation rehabilitation, including Rs. 3,250 million to make the North-Central Great Canal usable. He also stated that Cabinet has approved renewed discussions with the ADB to secure further support and deliver irrigation benefits to farmers. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna raised a supplementary question on an unfinished water canal project covering six districts and ending at Nachchaduwa in Anuradhapura. He noted that a drinking water project had begun based on assurances of water from the canal, but delays were causing serious difficulties, including limiting cultivation for farmers around Mahakandarawa. He asked what plan exists to complete the project. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, replying to Question 836/2025, provided details of the North-Central Great Canal Project, initiated in March 2015 and implemented in six phases covering canal, tunnel and water-transfer works from Moragahakanda through to Mahakandarawa Oya, with a map placed in the Library. He said the project will benefit Matale, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura by providing reliable irrigation to 12,300 hectares, supporting 25,000 farm families, supplying 40 million cubic metres of drinking water annually to about 150,000 families, and improving groundwater and local economic activity. He stated that completion is scheduled for 24 June 2025, but progress is currently 20.5 per cent physically and Rs. 40,600 million financially, with delays attributed to tunnel tender re-evaluation after Uma Oya leakage concerns, COVID-19, the 2022 economic crisis, input shortages and price increases, and delayed loan disbursements. Oral Question: North-Central Great Canal Project (Q.836/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Clay extraction permits are issued by Divisional Secretaries, while transport permits are handled separately through the National Crafts Council. The speech clarifies that registered artisans and associations obtain transport permits via the Council after receiving extraction approval at the local administrative level. Oral Question: Welangolla Estate Industrial Development (Q.791/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake raised concerns about the traditional clay industry, noting that artisans face difficulties obtaining clay, particularly from areas near tanks. He said a recent circular had created legal obstacles and asked whether the Government would resolve these issues and facilitate the continuation of the industry. Oral Question: Welangolla Estate Industrial Development (Q.791/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne acknowledged concerns over the increased use of chicken manure after earlier soil-building practices using cattle and organic manure with chemical fertilizer had declined, stating that relevant departments were intervening. He said the fertilizer subsidy for farmers had been increased from about Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per 2 hectares from the last Maha season and would continue. He also noted a new Rs. 30,000 per 2 hectares subsidy for approved inter-seasonal crops grown in paddy lands during Yala, and said Kalpitiya’s specific needs would be examined within ongoing discussions. Oral Question: Kalpitiya Agricultural Flooding (Q.585/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan said fertilizer price increases and shortages are affecting small and medium farmers cultivating over 16,000 acres. He argued that the resulting use of chicken manure and other substitutes has contributed to a severe mosquito problem in the peninsula, raising health concerns. He requested fertilizer support to reduce reliance on such substitutes. Oral Question: Kalpitiya Agricultural Flooding (Q.585/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne acknowledged agricultural issues in Kalpitiya and surrounding areas, noting that about 16,000 acres are under vegetable cultivation and that the area contributes significantly to national chili and onion production. He said new fertilizer and compensation-related insurance schemes have been introduced, and officials from the Insurance Board will visit around the 12th to inform farmers about enrollment. He stated that suitable insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms would be developed for the region, taking account of farmers’ efforts to cultivate sandy soils. Oral Question: Kalpitiya Agricultural Flooding (Q.585/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan raised a supplementary question on agricultural losses in Kalpitiya, noting that farmland remains flooded for months and that losses in 2024 exceeded Rs. 1,000 million. He requested targeted relief and compensation for key vegetable crops in the area, citing wasted inputs and damage to farmer livelihoods. Oral Question: Kalpitiya Agricultural Flooding (Q.585/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne stated that cultivation in Kalpitiya is being damaged by inundation caused by a high groundwater table, a problem that has occurred recently and is continuing. He said there is no general ex gratia compensation scheme, though six specified crops receive free Government compensation and other farmers may join a contributory insurance scheme through the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board. He also clarified that the 2025 Yala fertilizer subsidy applies only to paddy and additional crops grown in paddy fields, not to Kalpitiya vegetable and fruit cultivations, and noted that a detailed answer was placed in the Library. Oral Question: Kalpitiya Agricultural Flooding (Q.585/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Under the “Vāri Mahima – Our Heritage” programme, Rs. 7,800 million has been allocated in 2025 to renovate 275 tanks through the Mahaweli Authority, Irrigation Department, and Agrarian Development institutions. Addressing Mahaweli Authority appointments, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe stated that past postings and transfers involved serious irregularities and that current appointments, promotions, and recruitment would follow proper procedures and prevailing Government policy. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that inquiries are under way into Mahaweli lands granted for projects, including the funds provided, implementation status, and possible further action. He requested that related issues first be taken up at District Coordinating Committees and then reported to the Ministry, noting that the Ministry, the Mahaweli Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture are prepared to act. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary In response to Question 513/2025, the Deputy Minister stated that 4,826 tanks have been identified as needing renovation: 101 under the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, 174 under the Department of Irrigation, and 4,551 under the Department of Agrarian Development. He said renovation plans cover 42 Mahaweli tanks, 23 Irrigation Department reservoirs, and 209 Agrarian Development projects involving tanks, anicuts and canals, with work already commenced. Detailed annexes and district-wise plans have been placed in the Library. Oral Question: Tank Renovation under Mahaweli (Q.513/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the reported shortage of table salt and conditions at the Elephant Pass and Paranthan salterns in the Northern Province. He alleged politicized management changes, transfers of experienced staff, worker protests, Police-assisted evictions, and reduced production, and asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to clarify the renaming of “Elephant Pass Salt” as “Raja Salt,” current production levels, and whether Cabinet had approved salt imports. He urged the Government to meet the workers, address their demands, restore normal salt production, and ensure dignified treatment and basic facilities for employees. Questions under Standing Order 27(2): Procedural Matters and Opposition Questions Read →