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- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister said salt imports became necessary after weather-related damage reduced domestic production, noting that even opposition members had acknowledged rain-related losses. He stated that Hambantota salterns have a combined capacity of about 100,000 metric tons, but production fell from around 80,000 metric tons last year to about 60,000 metric tons this year. He added that any allegations of fraud or corruption are under investigation and that action would be taken if wrongdoing is found. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister rejected Opposition claims about local government results and the handling of the salt shortage, stating that allegations that 51,000 metric tons of imported salt were given to one private company were false. He said imports were arranged after requests from producers and after heavy rains damaged Hambantota and Puttalam production, with tenders through the State Trading Corporation, Cabinet approval for additional imports, and temporary permission for private importers. He outlined national salt demand, washing and supply constraints, allocations to Lanka Salt, Sathosa and dried-fish producers, and said the Government would prevent excessive retail pricing while reviewing relevant ownership arrangements when existing agreements end. Debate: Finance Act Order - Continued Discussion (Multiple Speakers) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s tax policy as inconsistent and revenue-driven, citing repeated tax increases and changes to vehicle and EV import duties despite earlier promises of affordability. He argued that higher EV taxes and equal treatment of locally manufactured electric vehicles, such as Vega’s three-wheeler, undermine domestic production and clean transport. He also accused the Government of moving away from renewable energy toward coal and diesel, referencing delays in solar grid connections, lack of approvals for renewable projects, and recent reliance on fossil fuel generation. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that 257 major tanks are under the Department of Irrigation and 22 under the Mahaweli Authority, and explained how reservoir reservation boundaries are determined under the Irrigation Ordinance and Mahaweli regulations. He said Mahaweli reservoir reservations were gazetted in 1986, while Department-managed reservoirs rely on legally enforceable survey and engineering plans rather than separate gazette notifications. He further reported that 712 families have so far been identified within the Nuwara Weva reservation boundary through Bim Saviya surveys, with names and related details tabled in annexes, and noted that the number may increase after remaining surveys are completed. Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on Sri Lanka’s major irrigation reservoirs, including whether reservation boundaries have been identified and gazetted, and which reservoirs have gazetted boundaries. He also sought specific information on families living within the Nuwara Weva reservation in Anuradhapura District, requesting lists of residents and permit holders, and asking whether land permits had been granted or why not. Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake raised concerns that areas in Wariyapola, Yapahuwa, and Nikaweratiya have experienced severe annual flooding since the construction of the Deduru Oya reservoir, damaging vegetable cultivation in Minuwangete and Bolapitiya. He noted proposals to divert excess water through the old Thalagalla canal to Thalagalla wewa and Palugama wewa, and questioned the ineffectiveness of the right bank canal due to lack of drainage. He asked whether the Department would take action to manage flooding and protect agriculture in the affected areas. Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about the management and development of Irrigation Department lands near Deduru Oya in the Yapahuwa Kingdom. He sought information on renovating deteriorating holiday resorts, providing sanitary facilities for local tourists, improving the Ridibendi Ella anicut area for tourism, and addressing drainage problems from irregular constructions that affect agriculture. Oral Questions: Irrigation Reservoirs and Land Settlement (Q.578/2025 and Q.3519/2025) Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara urged the Government to ensure fertilizer is available in the market and to credit allocated fertilizer funds directly to farmers’ accounts without delay. He argued that farmers can purchase fertilizer only once the money reaches them, especially amid rising seasonal prices, and called for a proper and fair process supported across party lines. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned the implementation of the fertilizer subsidy, asking how many farmers had actually received funds in their bank accounts. He argued that allocating or holding funds elsewhere was insufficient, because farmers can purchase fertilizer only once the subsidy money is credited directly to them, and questioned whether Rs. 200 million was adequate to complete the programme. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Asked how many people in Anuradhapura District had received the fertilizer subsidy. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara criticized Government figures, including Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for allegedly telling trade union leaders not to make further demands despite having previously supported protests and wage demands. He said the Opposition was not protesting but urging the Government to fulfil its promise to provide the fertilizer subsidy, noting that the Yala cultivation season had already begun and referring to the relevance for Anuradhapura District. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara alleged that documents signed by the Sathosa Chairman relate to a land purchase for Rs. 10 million and questioned whether such a purchase could be made. He linked the matter to Sathosa’s rice imports and claimed that others may be misusing the relevant official’s name to commit fraud during rice import activities. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of agricultural imports, alleging that rice and pulse releases were rushed without proper checks, resulting in poor-quality supplies and difficulties for farmers. He questioned the Minister on issues involving rice, ulundu and green gram, and argued that the Government’s claims of effective management were not reflected in practice. He also raised concerns that official names and import permissions may have been misused for wrongdoing, including land grabbing. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is already implementing policies related to diplomatic appointments, housing, MPs’ pensions, and food security, and has established a multi-ministry Food Security Committee to address shortages. He criticised past decisions to wind down Sathosa and the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, citing major debts, losses, asset sales and disrupted distribution, and rejected the “Shakthi Sahal” model on the basis of audit findings showing losses and unpaid dues. He outlined plans to rebuild wholesale and co-operative distribution, form producer co-operatives, restart CWE facilities, purchase paddy at guaranteed prices, sell rice at controlled prices, provide fertilizer subsidies, address new demand from liquor and poultry-feed industries, and use storage capacity such as the Dambulla cool rooms to stabilise supply and consumer prices. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Supported the motion but argued that policy should prioritize strengthening domestic agriculture and distribution rather than relying on imports of essential foods. Citing the “Shakthi Sahal” programme and the Paddy Marketing Board’s limitations, he proposed State-backed buffer stocks and support for both large and small millers, including cooperative and private-sector participation. He also referred to the Dambulla “Prabashwara” cold storage project and called for farmer training in Good Agricultural Practices so produce can be stored properly to reduce price volatility. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi JJB AI summary Champika Hettiarachchi said the Government was implementing NPP manifesto commitments on national food security, including domestic production of locally producible foods and maintaining three-month buffer stocks. He cited measures to strengthen Sathosa, Lak Sathosa and co-operatives, improve transport, staffing, storage, digitization and port clearance, and reduce prices and post-harvest losses. He also referred to broader efforts to curb alleged profiteering in imports, strengthen agriculture and industry, and end what he described as previous practices favouring cronies. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha supported the Private Member’s Motion on food security while urging greater attention to vegetable and fruit farmers, who he said receive low farmgate prices despite high consumer prices and significant post-harvest waste. He raised concerns about chemical ripening of fruits in Ratnapura District and called for regulation and cold storage facilities, particularly for banana farmers in Embilipitiya facing unsold and rotting produce. He also questioned the reliability of the wildlife census on crop-damaging animals and requested a practical plan, including regulated support through farmer organizations, to protect cultivation from peacocks, toque macaques, porcupines and other animals. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera JJB AI summary Hon. Dewananda Suraweera criticized Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Private Member’s Motion on State intervention in essential food imports and distribution, arguing that it was politically motivated and echoed policies already contained in the NPP Government’s programme. He stated that the Government is implementing plans to strengthen agriculture, food security, productivity, value chains, market stability, land management, input management, climate risk management, and research. He blamed previous administrations, including the UNP’s “Regaining Sri Lanka” policy, for weakening State involvement and damaging agriculture, and asserted that the current Government has public endorsement to rebuild the agro-economy. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri seconded Rohana Bandara’s Motion and urged the Government to act on it by reforming medicine procurement, alleging that long tender timelines, emergency purchases, and supplier selection practices continue to enable corruption and shortages. He asked Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to review whether COPE recommendations are being implemented, to take action against corrupt actors, and to establish a system that prevents irregularities, including direct purchases from proven-quality manufacturers where necessary. He also criticised rice importation, arguing that inadequate support for local farmers and under-cultivation lead to reliance on imports, and called for import restrictions to be matched with development of local production. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →
- 9 May 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara moved a resolution calling for a government programme to increase State intervention in importing and supplying essential foods, medicines and other items, arguing that control by a few traders has contributed to shortages, hoarding and price volatility. He cited recent shortages of rice, coconut and salt, and said the Government failed to ensure timely fertilizer subsidies, fair paddy purchasing and adequate buffer stocks, leading to weak State procurement and reliance on imports. He urged priority for boosting local agricultural production, including timely provision of TSP and other inputs for the Yala season, and questioned government spending, tender procedures and possible corruption in procurement processes. Private Members' Motion (P.12/2024): Enhancing State Sector Involvement in Food Import and Distribution Read →