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- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary In a tabled answer, Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa provided year-by-year figures on paddy purchases by the Paddy Marketing Board from 2015 to 2024, noting large purchases in 2015 and 2016, no purchases in 2017, and much lower quantities in 2023 and 2024. He reported annual losses for 2015–2021, with final accounts for 2022–2024 still incomplete, and detailed Rs. 629.9 million spent on building repairs during 2015–2024. He also stated that expected future expenditure for building repairs is Rs. 908 million, while part (b) was not applicable. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a response stating that no recent nationwide assessment has been conducted specifically on crop damage caused by wild animals, although disaster-related agricultural losses are assessed. It referred to a 2022 Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute assessment covering wildlife damage to paddy, other crops, coconut, and perennial crops, with detailed data placed in the Library. The response also categorized common problematic species by type of crop entry and manageability, including monkeys, peafowl, porcupines, wild boar, and elephants. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation whether the Government has assessed animal damage to domestic food crops. He requested crop-wise details for paddy, vegetables, and fruits, and asked which animals cause the most severe damage; if no assessment has been made, he sought the reasons. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary Loans under the crop-based support mechanism vary by segment, with short-term crops eligible for up to about Rs. 3 million and nurseries for about Rs. 500,000. Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said the objective is to help farmers repay on time and avoid defaults, even where guaranteed prices are not available, and that the mechanism is functioning satisfactorily. He added that relevant institutions can discuss remedial arrangements where borrowers face repayment difficulties. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson asked whether the Ministry has fixed a specific repayment deadline for farmer loans. He said maize cultivators in districts such as Ampara, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura are facing difficulties repaying loans because guaranteed prices have not been declared. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma AI summary The Minister stated that higher loan or support amounts may be considered depending on an applicant’s capacity, repayment method, and previous track record. He explained that the current framework sets ceilings by input category, such as fertilizer subsidies, agricultural equipment purchases, and seeds, and said detailed limits would be tabled for Members’ reference. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Asked what maximum loan amount would be available to small and medium farmers, particularly for short-term crops including paddy, under the Government’s “Sarusara” New Enhanced Rural Credit Scheme announced for annual implementation from 2025 by the Department of Development Finance of the General Treasury. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister of Finance, confirmed that the “Sarusara” loan scheme is in operation to support working capital needs of micro and small-scale farmers, promote financial inclusion, strengthen household agriculture, and reduce rural poverty and disparities. He stated that 1,216,587 farmers received loans between 2010 and 2024, subject to criteria including farmer status, lawful access to land, non-default status, and co-borrower requirements for applicants aged 65 or above. He also outlined support linked to the scheme, including fertilizer subsidies, affordable seeds, guaranteed prices, crop insurance, irrigation services, and warehouse receipt financing through selected Government warehouses. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Kins Nelson asked the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development whether the “Sarusara” concessionary loan scheme for small-scale farmers has been introduced, and if so, what its objectives are. He requested details on the number of beneficiaries, the lending criteria, and the measures being taken to financially empower farmers, or reasons if such a scheme has not been introduced. Oral Question 10: Sarusara Loan Scheme (Q.441/2025) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Namal Karunaratne stated that the Rs. 50,000 fertilizer assistance per two hectares is being released and may be used for cultivation-related activities, including land preparation, harvesting, fertilizer, and agrochemicals. He said the Government is addressing the seed paddy shortage by purchasing certified seed from the private sector and using stocks from state farms. He also reported that compensation for initial Maha season damages has mostly been paid, and compensation for later January-February damages will be fully paid within the next month. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Raised concerns over delayed fertilizer cash grant payments even months after harvest in some areas, requesting the Deputy Minister’s attention. He also highlighted a severe shortage and price increase of seed paddy for the Yala season, citing unavailability at the Nikaweratiya Seed Production Centre and purchases from Polonnaruwa at about Rs. 5,500 per bushel, and asked what steps the Government would take to address the issue. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne stated that pending compensation for the previous Yala season was settled after the Ministry assumed responsibility, and that payments for damage during the 2024/25 Maha season in November have also largely been completed. He said about Rs. 8 million remains unpaid due to incomplete farmer data and technical issues, and that the remaining cases are being verified before settlement. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Responding for the Minister, Namal Karunaratne stated that 74,176 acres of crops were damaged, with paddy accounting for 90 per cent and other crops 10 per cent. He said Rs. 1,000 million was allocated for compensation, of which Rs. 952 million had been paid in the same 90:10 ratio, and that all recommended compensation for crop damage caused by the November 2024 floods had been fully paid. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide details on crop damage caused by adverse weather in November 2024, including total affected land area, breakdown by paddy, maize and other crops, and the estimated financial loss. He also requested information on compensation paid by crop category, the extent of damaged cultivated land still awaiting compensation, and the reasons for any non-payment. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that the Government is planning a major development programme for the North and East, involving the University of Jaffna, a private IT university in Jaffna, Provincial Councils, and Local Authorities. He said roadmaps have been prepared to start export-oriented industries, particularly in agricultural and fisheries value addition, and noted that current GDP calculations may not fully reflect production from the North that is exported through the South. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Adjournment Motion on empowering SME exporters in the Northern Province, proposing that it be extended to include the Eastern Province due to shared economic conditions and export potential. He argued that agriculture, fisheries, co-operatives, cottage industries and local economic development fall within Provincial Council responsibilities under the Ninth Schedule, and called for long-delayed Provincial Council Elections to restore local institutional capacity. He identified export opportunities in traditional foods, handloom, palmyrah products and seafood, and proposed SME export incubation zones in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Batticaloa and Ampara, along with support for co-operatives, collectives, certification, marketing, credit, cold chains and diaspora trade engagement. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported the Adjournment Motion and called for revival of SMEs in the Northern Province, noting that many industries in Jaffna and other districts had closed due to the war and political factors. He proposed developing SMEs in agriculture, fisheries, handloom and palmyrah products, with vocational training, bank finance, market access, incentives and public-private partnerships. He also urged the removal of government impediments and export bottlenecks, including allowing direct exports, to increase employment, foreign exchange earnings and the North’s contribution to national output. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy moved an Adjournment Motion calling for Government action to develop export-oriented SMEs and cottage industries in the Northern Province, particularly in agriculture, fisheries and palmyrah-based products. He cited lack of export awareness, infrastructure, market access, training and supply-chain support as barriers, and requested programmes for quality improvement, technology, transport and export-market strategy. He noted post-war economic disparities, including the North’s low GDP contribution, while referencing ongoing Government projects such as industrial estates, saltern and factory development, cassava cultivation for export, sports infrastructure and a proposed palmyrah triangle. Adjournment Motion: Empowerment of Small and Medium Exporters in Northern Province Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Padmasiri Bandara defended the Government during debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act and proposals under the Disposals Act, arguing that current shortages and industrial issues, including salt storage and factory closures, were the result of decades of previous administrations’ policies. He rejected Opposition criticism of the NPP/JVP, war-hero commemorations, job losses, and allegations against Minister Sunil Handunnetti, saying the Government would honour service personnel, not sell national assets, and pursue past corruption. He asked that the Government be judged after its full term rather than after six months, while stating it would leave office if it could not deliver. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary The Hon. Muhammad Faizal defended the Government’s phased relaxation of import restrictions, including vehicle imports, and said the recent salt shortage was a temporary result of weather and climate conditions affecting natural salt production, not Government policy. He stated that the Minister had inspected Puttalam salterns, promised support to increase production, and that imports were arranged to ensure supply during the New Year period. He also rejected Opposition allegations of vote-buying in Puttalam local authorities, accusing Opposition parties of money politics and electoral malpractice, and said the NPP had won local support without such practices. He added that the Government was working to resolve issues relating to reopening the Puttalam–Mannar road for displaced persons and expected progress within the year. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 and Disposal of Property Act Resolutions Read →