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- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila defended the Government’s conduct and budget priorities under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, stating that Government MPs had not sought personal privileges and that tax revenue, including the Rs. 65 rice tax, would be directed to public services such as health and education. He argued that market prices for key commodities were declining, public sector salary increases would support economic growth, and the Government had begun strengthening paddy procurement through warehouse preparation, funding, farmer support, and cultivation of fallow lands. He also said the Government intended to depoliticize and rebuild the cooperative sector and Sathosa, including transforming cooperatives beyond retail functions into production-oriented institutions linked to grassroots communities and local products. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security has consolidated 17 institutions to improve food security, market access and daily consumer welfare, while correcting past misuse of public resources. He alleged widespread irregularities in cooperatives, Lanka Sathosa, Economic Centres, Mahapola, STC and related entities, citing uncollected cooperative loans, missing audit files, undervalued asset sales, loss-making rental arrangements, unusable imported rice-milling machines and missing public funds. He stated that investigations are under way and that the Ministry will standardize governance and refocus institutions on their intended functions, including fair prices for farmers and consumers and support for vulnerable students. 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 addressed allegations or concerns regarding taxes on coconut oil imports, citing Customs data over four months across several HS codes with a total customs value of about Rs. 36.6 billion. He stated that import duties are collected at entry and VAT applies when refined products are sold domestically, and said the issue has also been referred to Plantation Industries due to food security concerns linked to imports equivalent to about 200 million coconuts. He invited details of any company alleged to have committed fraud, noting that the Prime Minister has referred the matter to relevant agencies and that investigations are proceeding. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the 2025 Budget allocation for cooperative sector development and argued that cooperatives, serving around 8 million people, should be strengthened as everyday service institutions rather than only crisis-response mechanisms. He called for government intervention, through education and qualified appointments, to address fraud, corruption, and ad-hoc governance in cooperative societies, with the National Institute of Cooperative Development expanding training in management, finance, audit, services, and ICT. He raised concerns about entities such as “Saubhagya” and “RCD Co-op Bank” soliciting deposits under the guise of cooperatives, posing risks to depositors. He also said the Registrar of Companies should guide more registered companies toward CSE listing and improve eROC systems to widen safe investment options and help businesses raise equity capital. 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 said rice supply remains strained because government stocks were empty when the administration took office and the Maha harvest is now expected to fall from 2.98 million to about 2.4 million metric tonnes due to weather and floods. He stated that although the Government’s policy is not to import rice except in a natural calamity or disaster, imports may be required if shortages affect the market, while prices will be kept within controlled levels. He outlined measures to stabilize the market, including State bank loan facilities of Rs. 10 billion for small and medium millers and Rs. 15 billion, potentially rising to Rs. 45 billion, for large millers, alongside government purchasing of paddy as harvesting begins in major producing districts. 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 Rs. 5 billion had been allocated to the Paddy Marketing Board, which does not fall under the speaker’s Ministry. He stated that he would obtain the relevant details and provide them later. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka wished Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe success and then questioned the Government’s paddy purchasing programme. He asked how many metric tons of paddy had been purchased so far from the Rs. 5 billion allocation, noting that this amount would cover only about four and a half days of national paddy requirements, and requested a direct answer from the Minister. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. S. Sri Bachanandaraja AI summary Hon. S. Sri Bachanandaraja called for the revival of the cooperative sector in Jaffna District, citing decline due to politicization, mismanagement, maladministration, and unqualified appointments. He requested reopening the Cooperative Training College at Poontottam, resolving encroachment on land allocated in Kurunagar, strengthening the Consumer Affairs Authority, and providing financial or concessionary loan support to restore non-functional cooperative societies. He also urged that Northern Province economic centres be made operational, the Jaffna City Market be rebuilt with support from the Chamber of Commerce and diaspora organizations, and a dedicated jetty be provided to supply Jaffna’s island communities. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage defended the Government’s performance under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, arguing that it had halted corruption and was rebuilding institutions weakened or mismanaged under previous administrations. He said the Government was reviving the CWE, strengthening Lanka Sathosa by recruiting staff and expanding outlets, increasing the Consumer Affairs Authority cadre, and intervening to restore confidence in the cooperative sector. He also referred to measures on food security, alleged past misuse of the Mahapola Scholarship Trust, and a proposal to raise university student stipends from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 7,500. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif argued that Sri Lanka should expand and add value to export crops and highland produce, including cinnamon, clove, coffee, tea, jackfruit, durian, guava and rambutan, by allocating suitable state and private lands to cultivators and supporting value-added processing. He criticized previous government decisions that he said caused losses at Lanka Sathosa, including high-rent premises and unresolved supply issues, and called for a commission and audit of Sathosa outlets. He also claimed the previous government’s areca nut imports harmed local growers, said the current government had halted such imports, and demanded that Hon. Archuna apologize and withdraw remarks he described as false and prejudicial toward Muslim marriages. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. Sivasakthy Ananthan AI summary Hon. Sivasakthy Ananthan argued that rice imports during harvest periods, particularly in the North and East, depress paddy prices and enable traders to exploit farmers, while inadequate storage facilities worsen food security and distribution. He called for stronger financial and institutional support for cooperative societies, including approval of long-pending fuel station licences and funding to purchase and mill paddy, citing examples from Kilinochchi and Jaffna. He said cooperatives had played a critical role during wartime embargoes but have since been politicized and under-supported, and referred to earlier unimplemented proposals such as a Northern cooperative plan and a Palmyrah Fund. He also briefly raised reports on the Pattalanthe torture camp and past abuses during 1988–1989. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan argued during the Committee Stage debate on Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development that Sri Lanka lacks adequate domestic food standards, export facilitation systems, and implementation of food safety protocols. He said policy remains too focused on imports rather than ensuring safe and nutritious food throughout the production-to-consumption chain. He also raised concern that closed paddy storage warehouses and control of rice distribution by “mafias” are undermining food security and fair returns. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama said Sri Lanka had often failed to gain sufficient benefits from trade agreements due to weak negotiation capacity and a lack of domain expertise, including in relation to WTO and TRIPS opportunities. He highlighted the need to protect and promote local products through Geographical Indications and trademarks, noting the recent GI recognition for Ceylon Cinnamon and consideration of accession to the Madrid Protocol. He also stated that budget allocations had been made to strengthen the Intellectual Property Office, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, and standards and accreditation laboratories to improve product safety, consumer confidence, and market access. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB AI summary The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that the National People’s Power’s first Budget is framed as part of an overall plan rather than being centred on a single Ministry. He said the coordinated work of industry, transport, technology, and agriculture is intended to establish the foundation for a production-based economy. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath (Medical Practitioner) ITAK AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath urged the Government to give greater attention to youth employment, sports development and industry in the North and East, particularly Batticaloa, where he said post-war neglect has driven many young people abroad and left athletes without adequate facilities. He called for upgrades to Weber Stadium, proper sports grounds, appointment of sports officers and coaches, and support for successful local teams in kabaddi, basketball, karate and wrestling. He also requested national employment and investment programmes in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, agro-processing and revived industries such as the paper mill, while addressing issues including paddy processing, dairy grazing lands and environmentally harmful resource projects. He asked the Government to include Batticaloa in future national development plans, conduct district-level feasibility studies, and consult local experts and representatives. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara argued that Sri Lanka’s industrial decline stemmed from devaluing labour, misusing land, weakening local entrepreneurship, and relying excessively on foreign capital after 1977. He cited the fall in tea exports and loss of value addition and brand protection for Ceylon tea as an example of failed industrial policy and regulation. Referring to the Budget responsibilities of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, he called for stronger national policy, infrastructure, export linkages, entrepreneurship support, revival of traditional industries, and development of value-added Sri Lankan brands, particularly in spices and tourism-linked village industries. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga supported the Budget, arguing that Sri Lanka must shift from an import-driven consumption economy to a production-oriented economy based on entrepreneurship, innovation, and value addition. She highlighted allocations for industrial zones, SME revival, investment promotion, gem and jewellery research, tourism, and machinery imports, and said land and loan access should be fairly directed to genuine entrepreneurs. She also emphasized developing mineral and gem resources, creating specialized industrial zones, reducing post-approval delays, and branding value-added Sri Lankan products for global markets. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan urged the Minister to market local products under their historic and place-based names, specifically proposing “Aanaivilunthaan Salt” and “Kurinjatheevu Salt,” similar to Ottuchuddan tiles named after Pandara Vanniyan. He expressed willingness to cooperate in advancing these productions and called for the swift commencement of the Parantan industrial estate. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti corrected remarks about Northern industrial projects, stating that work has resumed at the Ottuchuddan tile and brick factory, including production of PV tiles and heat-reducing four-vent bricks for market release. He said funds have been allocated to develop a chemical manufacturing industrial zone at Parantan on 50 acres, requiring reconstruction after wartime destruction. He also announced that Elephant Pass salt would be released as a government product from the 29th and that salt production at Kurinjatheevu could be restarted, with employment limited to suitable local residents from the Northern Province. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka needs a coherent production, industrial and SME policy framework to use local resources, reduce regional disparities, address unemployment and ease the foreign exchange crisis. He called for supporting policies including cooperative, tariff and anti-dumping measures, and said entrepreneurship and financial literacy, with regionally relevant subjects such as gemology, would be introduced in schools. He cited Budget allocations of Rs. 99 billion for economic services and entrepreneurship, including Rs. 38.6 billion for SME and entrepreneurship support, and proposed industrial estates, facilitation centres and sectoral clusters across Divisional Secretariat divisions. Referring to the Ratnapura gem sector, he said new regulations, market development and a gem trading hub were planned to make Sri Lanka a stronger global gem trade centre. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →