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 March 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported the Ministry of Finance expenditure, stating that the Budget seeks to restart stalled projects and strengthen agriculture, irrigation, livestock, rural livelihoods, digitalization, and food security. He highlighted allocations of Rs. 56.8 billion for agriculture and Rs. 78.1 billion for irrigation, including over Rs. 32,000 million for the North Central Province Great Canal, and emphasized restoring small tanks and reviving dairy, poultry, and other livestock sectors. He said investigations into fertilizer subsidy irregularities and institutional malpractice are ongoing and that action must proceed through legal processes while the Government works to improve production and ensure access to nutritious meals. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister said the 2025 Budget must be understood as a response to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, citing long-term trade deficits, past policy failures, depleted reserves, weak investor confidence, and high debt servicing obligations. He argued that despite fiscal constraints, the Budget supports a production-based recovery, public welfare, and fair distribution, with allocations for health, education materials, fertilizer subsidies, MSMEs, energy, industry, fisheries, agriculture, and reactivating abandoned factories and agro-industries. He also defended engagement with the IMF as arising from debt pressures and prior wastage, and described the Budget as appropriate to the country’s bankrupt conditions. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Ajantha Gammeddage supported the allocations under Head 912 of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, arguing that disciplined revenue and expenditure management is restoring public confidence after the economic collapse. He said tax compliance is improving, borrowing should be limited to productive growth-oriented projects, and state-owned enterprises should be restructured through better management to become profitable rather than remain dependent on public funds. He also referred to plans in Matara to cultivate fallow paddy lands and to use future local government-level funding for rural roads, village development, and revival of the rural economy. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Chandana Thennakoon supported the Budget allocations under the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry, arguing that funds are being distributed across regions and sectors rather than concentrated in politically favoured areas. He highlighted allocations for rural roads, bridges, irrigation, drinking water, and human-elephant conflict mitigation, including specific projects in the Galgamuwa electorate and dry zone areas. He also cited increases in welfare benefits, education support, allowances for vulnerable groups, and relief measures for low-income families, presenting the Budget as focused on rural development and social support. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 20 March 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that Sri Lanka must achieve at least 5 percent growth by 2028 to support debt sustainability and resumed debt repayment, but said the Government had not presented clear sectoral plans for industry, agriculture, services, exports or investment. He questioned whether the Government was following IMF directions without an independent economic programme, citing unresolved promises on EPF/ETF losses from domestic debt restructuring and renegotiation with creditors. He also demanded relief for retirees through higher interest income, questioned the increase in Withholding Tax, and asked whether the absence of jobs for about 35,000 graduates was linked to IMF-driven public sector cuts. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on VAT and other taxes affecting domestic products, stating that the Government is considering these issues. He said the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment would be strengthened through supplier and government-to-government commercial agreements, including with India, Vietnam, and Thailand, to ensure continuous supply and forward procurement. He added that the Ministry aims to re-enter wholesale trade and oversee wholesale markets such as Peliyagoda and Polonnaruwa to provide goods at affordable prices. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development JJB AI summary The Minister outlined measures to strengthen the co-operative sector, including reinforcing the Co-operative Insurance Company and clarifying that director appointments remain the responsibility of individual co-operatives based on shareholding. He said the Ministry, through the Registrar of Companies, aims to expand capital market participation by encouraging more sizeable companies to list on the stock exchange. He also announced legal reforms to enable Geographical Indications and plans to accede to the Madrid Protocol within the year to secure international protection for Sri Lankan products, arts, music, and inventions, while continuing efforts to strengthen Sathosa and the CWE. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe defended reforms at Sathosa and other state institutions, saying the Government was bringing private-sector expertise into public bodies to strengthen them rather than sell them. He said Sathosa faced long-standing irregularities, including Rs. 350 million worth of goods unaccounted for since 2014, ongoing CID complaints, weak computer systems, and quality-control issues in rice procurement, and outlined steps such as filling 21 vacancies, appointing an acting CEO, and procuring an integrated stock and sales system. Responding to allegations on tax evasion and procurement, he said the Government would not protect offenders and was acting through the Consumer Affairs Authority, Inland Revenue Department and other agencies, citing VAT details of several companies named in the debate. He also said vehicles held by the Presidential Secretariat were being redistributed to institutions as required and rejected claims that appointments were based on union affiliation rather than merit. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Wasantha Samarasinghe disputed figures cited by Hon. Dayasiri regarding milling capacities of 0.5 million to 0.7 million metric tons, stating that such capacities do not exist in Sri Lanka. He argued that the claim was implausible in the context of the country’s total annual harvest of about 4.5 million metric tons and urged members not to present inaccurate figures. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara criticized the Government’s handling of paddy purchasing, arguing that despite promises to buy large quantities from the Maha and Yala harvests, only Rs. 5 billion had been allocated and only 488 metric tons had reportedly been purchased by the previous Friday. He alleged that numerous rice mills with substantial storage and processing capacity had been destroyed in past incidents, claiming these facilities could have supplied around 60% of the country’s rice requirement. He challenged government members to respond during their speaking time regarding responsibility for those incidents. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns over tax treatment and pricing disparities between imported white sugar and local brown sugar, urging the Government to promote brown sugar through Sathosa, reduce sugar imports, and use molasses rather than maize for spirit production to avoid shortages affecting poultry feed and Thriposha. He called for coordinated action by relevant Ministries to legally import coconut husk/fibre to support coconut-based exports, criticizing inconsistent production data from the Coconut Research Institute and warning that export targets may be undermined. He also questioned shortages and alleged political interference in Sathosa management, staff transfers and appointments, and requested ministerial intervention. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper apologized and asked the House to note the connection between paddy cultivation and the paper mill industry, specifically the potential use of paddy straw for paper production. He requested that the matter be conveyed to the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary M. Nizam Kariapper welcomed the Speaker’s ruling on the conduct of Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna, saying it upheld parliamentary dignity and expressing hope that the sanctions would lead to a change in conduct. He also referred to the former IGP’s surrender before court, arguing that all suspects should similarly be allowed to appear in court without obstruction rather than being arrested en route. Turning to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, he urged the Minister to address technical problems at the Valachchenai Paper Mill, noting that the Estimates allocate funds for Hingurakgoda rice mill modernization but not for restoring full operations at Valachchenai. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. R.G. Wijerathna JJB AI summary Hon. R.G. Wijerathna argued that Regional Economic Centres have not met their stated objectives of ensuring fair producer prices, effective marketing, islandwide distribution, and affordable consumer prices. He cited inactive centres in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi built at significant public cost, and said the Nuwara Eliya centre handles only about 20 per cent of local vegetable production while traders, rather than farmers, effectively determine prices. He called for stronger inter-ministerial coordination to build a national distribution network, measures to reduce post-harvest losses through improved transport and packaging, and a Ministry-affiliated unit to oversee the transparency and use of management trust funds. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Dilip Wedaarachchi requested the Minister to implement a proper management programme for the Ridiyagama farm. He also indicated his intention to raise issues concerning Aswesuma beneficiaries and noted that he had been authorized by the Leader of the House to take the necessary speaking time. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged that the Hambantota Saltern be managed without political interference and through a proper programme, noting it as a national resource that generates revenue. He raised concern over a Rs. 50 increase in milk powder prices and called for an investigation into the decline in production and cattle numbers at the Ridiyagama NLDB Dairy Farm. He requested that officers be appointed to properly manage both the saltern and the dairy farm, suggesting that improved management of the farm could support a programme to provide milk to schoolchildren in Hambantota District. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Dilip Wedaarachchi raised concerns about the sharp decline in Hambantota Salterns’ salt production, citing figures falling from about 70,061 metric tons in 2022 to 26,736 metric tons in 2024. He asked the Minister to investigate the causes, alleging poor management, political appointments, procurement irregularities, and inadequate brine water management, while also noting rainfall impacts. He urged that salt be included in food security planning and that Hambantota Salterns, employing many permanent and temporary workers, be protected as a national asset. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi urged the Government to take stronger policy decisions on food security, arguing that poverty and rising prices for rice and coconuts make current living-cost estimates unrealistic. He said the state paddy storage mechanism had failed and requested a proper system to maintain rice reserves for emergencies such as a future pandemic or disaster. He also called for measures to address coconut shortages, including control of monkey populations affecting crops, and referred to the rising cost of basic items such as salt. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath informed Parliament that the official election of the Weeraketiya Multipurpose Cooperative Society was held in February. No further details, proposals, or questions were included in the recorded statement. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath urged the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development to strengthen food security and cooperative institutions in Batticaloa, citing pressures from past shortages, current price increases, and limited access to fair-priced goods. He requested approval for fuel allocations to cooperative-run stations in Vavunathivu, Vakarai, and Valachchenai, increased funding and lending capacity for cooperatives through Provincial Councils, and investment support for dryers, warehouses, and rice mills. He also called for more Sathosa outlets in Batticaloa, noting only three serve a district of about 600,000 people, and asked that shortages of Cooperative Development Officers and delays in permanent appointments be addressed. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →