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 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the National Paddy Marketing Board on behalf of the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Resource Management, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: Annual Reports Read →
- 5 May 2026 Hon. K. V. Samantha Vidyaratna JJB AI summary Hon. K. V. Samantha Vidyaratna presented data on Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, citing the legal framework governing the sector, trends in national production, district-wise acreage and yields, and Sri Lanka’s position as the fourth-largest coconut producer internationally. He noted that production fell from 3,351 million nuts in 2022 to 2,806 million in 2025, attributing the decline to climate change, inadequate fertilizer use, wildlife damage and pests. He also outlined Coconut Research Institute recommendations for mitigating drought impacts, including irrigation, mulching, seedling protection, pest monitoring and early treatment of diseases. Closing: Written Answers and Hansard Publication Information Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna provided data on the coconut industry, noting its legal basis and reporting that production fell from 3,351 million nuts in 2022 to 2,806 million in 2025 due to climatic anomalies, insufficient fertilizer use, wildlife damage and pests. He outlined the estimated coconut cultivation extent of about 1.2 million acres, district-wise production patterns, yield gaps over the past five years, and Sri Lanka’s approximate fourth-place ranking among major coconut-producing countries. He also detailed recommended cultivation and moisture-conservation practices, and stated that coconut and coconut-based export earnings rose to Rs. 368.0 billion, or USD 1.22 billion, in 2025. Closing: Written Answers and Hansard Publication Information Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister stated that no food production plan up to 2040 has been prepared, but a 2027–2029 plan exists for rice and additional food crops, alongside a 2025–2029 results framework and annual import-reduction forecasting. He outlined Rs. 2,000 million in 2026 Budget allocations for dairy development and breeding units, with a target of 75 per cent milk self-sufficiency by 2030, and proposed 2027–2030 mechanization initiatives including 200 machinery hubs, operator training, awareness programmes, technology promotion and field demonstrations. He said no specific year can yet be given for substantially eliminating imports of major food crops due to climatic, land, market and policy constraints, but import decisions are made annually using crop forecasts. Production data showed self-sufficiency or majority domestic supply in sesame, groundnuts, red onions, cowpea, green gram and finger millet, while maize, potatoes, big onions, soybeans and black gram remain more import-dependent. Closing: Written Answers and Hansard Publication Information Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the cost of production for paddy changes over time and that the earlier Rs. 150 per kilogram figure reflected the exceptional period of fertilizer shortages and high input costs. He said the cost of production would be recalculated for the Yala season, that the Paddy Marketing Board price may change from Rs. 120, and that support measures and subsidies would be adjusted to maintain stability while reflecting increased costs. Procedural and Main Business: Adjournment Motion Request and Agriculture Statement Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to reassess the paddy cost-of-production formula with state institutions and experts, arguing that the stated Rs. 95 per kilogramme was unrealistic given higher fuel, machinery, seed, and fertilizer costs. He called on the Government to fulfill its promise to pay and legislate a Rs. 150 per kilogramme price, relax the 14 per cent moisture standard where necessary, and expand procurement support for farmers during the Yala season amid continuing fertilizer shortages. Procedural and Main Business: Adjournment Motion Request and Agriculture Statement Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister provided figures on paddy procurement, stating that 49,552 metric tons were purchased in the 2025 Yala season at a cost of Rs. 6,300 million, while 49,780.748 metric tons had been purchased in the 2025/26 Maha season by 19 March 2026 at a cost of Rs. 5,982.373 million, with a target of 80,000 metric tons. He said 2,978 metric tons had been released to SATOSA without loss, storage capacity was sufficient subject to renting warehouses where needed, and farmer protests concerned wet paddy, which the Paddy Marketing Board does not purchase. He explained that the Rs. 120 minimum procurement price for standard paddy includes production cost, drying cost, and a 26–30 per cent profit margin, and reported that storm-related crop losses would reduce the expected Maha harvest from 2.66 million to 2.58 million metric tons. He added that Maha and Yala production were expected to meet national rice needs overall, but Cabinet had approved a limited import of Samba/Keeri Samba substitute rice grades due to shortfalls in those varieties, with relevant annexes placed in the Library. Procedural and Main Business: Adjournment Motion Request and Agriculture Statement Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation began responding to a question raised by Hon. Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27(2). He indicated that the response would address, first, the total quantity of paddy purchased by the Government during the 2025 Yala season and the related expenditure. Procedural and Main Business: Adjournment Motion Request and Agriculture Statement Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister said the Ministry and NAQDA face significant cadre vacancies and that an approved programme is being implemented to fill them. He stated that new hatcheries are being established and a major sea cucumber programme is planned, with the aim of involving more than 1,000 additional people by the end of the year. He added that the Ministry would consider the issues raised and keep Parliament informed. Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan asked whether there is a concrete plan to expand aquaculture production by increasing hatchery output, upgrading suitable tanks and reservoirs, and addressing staffing shortages. He noted that although Sri Lanka has around 33,000 tanks, only about 1,300 are suitable for fisheries and only about 120 have active business plans and fingerling stocking, while around 5,000 seasonal tanks lack a proper programme. He also stated that NAQDA hatcheries are insufficient to meet fry demand and that production was further affected by Cyclone Michaung. Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Cyclone “Michaung” caused major losses to the shrimp industry and that a recovery programme has been developed with stakeholders in Puttalam, with new shrimp farming areas identified including in Jaffna. He said about 1,300 reservoirs have been identified as suitable for reservoir-based fisheries and that plans are underway to expand production through them. He also noted that aquaculture export earnings have increased from about USD 285 million to about USD 300 million, with plans for further growth. Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan asked the Minister whether NAQDA has a programme to substantially expand inland freshwater fish production to meet national protein needs while also supporting export sectors such as ornamental fish and shrimp. He cited an annual fish consumption requirement of about 600,000 metric tons, with marine capture contributing around 300,000 metric tons and inland production only about 32,000 metric tons, arguing that inland output must increase significantly. Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary The Minister responded to questions on aquaculture capacity, stating that Sri Lanka has 17 relevant hatcheries across freshwater shrimp, ornamental fish, brackishwater shrimp, and freshwater fish, but freshwater fingerling supply remains far below the estimated annual requirement of 480 million. He outlined plans to upgrade association and private hatcheries, establish broodstock centres, build ponds near reservoirs, and expand support for ornamental fish and shrimp production through training, loans, monitoring, and disease-control measures. He also disclosed a Rs. 1.63 million fraud at the Dambulla Aquaculture Development Centre during 2017–2019, noting that disciplinary action was taken, a small sum recovered, and legal action is ongoing to recover the balance. Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan questioned the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources on the role and performance of the National Aquaculture Development Authority in supporting freshwater fisheries, shrimp, and ornamental fish sectors. He sought details on past facilities provided, the number and capacity of fish and shrimp breeding centres, the availability of fry for aquaculture, any recent financial irregularities within the Authority, and whether a programme exists to develop the aquaculture sector. Oral Questions Q.7-Q.9: Education Statistics, Aquaculture, CEB and SriLankan Airlines Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera (on behalf of the Hon. Kins Nelson) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development for information on the status of two CWE rice supplying complexes in Hingurakgoda and Pannegamuwa, each reportedly with a 2,000 kg per hour capacity. The question seeks details on when the facilities were last used, why they are underutilized, what the audit report stated, and what measures will be taken to restore them to operation. Oral Questions: Second Round and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Bimal Rathnayake tabled a response on rice imports and paddy procurement. It stated that imports of GR 11 rice equivalent to Keeri Samba were permitted by Gazette Extraordinary 2458/43 from 15 October to 10 November 2025, subject to importer limits, with institutional details and tax revenue placed in the Library. The response also noted that Rs. 10,000 million has been allocated in 2026 for paddy procurement, with the Paddy Marketing Board targeting 80,000 MT, refurbishing storage facilities, and releasing milled stocks through CWE, Lanka Sathosa, co-operatives, and the private sector. Oral Questions: Second Round and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara asked the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development to provide details on recent rice imports, including when the decision to import rice was taken to address shortages. He requested the names of government and private importers, quantities imported by each, tax revenue received, and measures to strengthen the public sector’s role in purchasing, storing, and selling paddy and rice. Oral Questions: Second Round and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake criticized the Government for focusing on cosmetic improvements to the Colombo bus terminal while failing to repair the damaged up-country railway line and restore services. During the debate on extending the State of Emergency, he urged protection of local entrepreneurs and industries, citing the police shoe procurement issue, delays and alleged irregularities in SVAT refunds, and concerns over removing cess on 2,600 imported items under HS codes. He also questioned delays in issuing passports, identity cards and vehicle number plates, warned that import liberalization could undermine domestic production and drain foreign exchange, and raised concerns about factory closures and irregularities at the Foreign Employment Bureau. Debate on Regulations under Defence Acts and Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question on MSMEs, stating that they contribute about 52 percent of GDP and less than 10 percent of export earnings, with 1.037 million establishments operating and 108,000 closed due to the economic crisis according to 2022 survey data. He outlined 2025 credit disbursements across five schemes and said Rs. 95.686 billion in credit packages is planned for 2026, including refinance, ADB-funded and interest-subsidized schemes, plus a collateral-free credit guarantee programme backed two-thirds by the Treasury. He also referred to Central Bank circulars providing loan restructuring, interest waivers, moratoria and working capital support for MSMEs affected by economic conditions, natural disasters and Cyclone “Micha,” and placed related documents in the Library. Ministerial Statements on Economic Policy Read →
- 9 April 2026 Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said smallholder tea growers, who produce about 75 per cent of Sri Lanka’s tea, are facing pressure from falling green leaf prices, export issues and global energy-related conditions. He noted that tea export earnings reached USD 1,507 million in 2025, the highest since 2017, and said the Government has expanded fertiliser support through a QR-based scheme to 187,759 growers. He stated that Cabinet has approved a one-time additional fertiliser relief of Rs. 5,000 per 50 kg bag, on top of the existing Rs. 4,000 subsidy, with Rs. 2.5 billion allocated by the Treasury for smallholder tea growers. Oral Questions and Answers Read →