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- 5 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister JJB AI summary The Prime Minister, responding to a question on declining coconut yields, cited climatic extremes, prolonged fertilizer non-use, pests and diseases, wild animal damage, high input and energy costs, labour shortages, price volatility, ageing and neglected plantations, land fragmentation, and conversion of coconut land. She identified the responsible institutions under the Ministry of Plantation and Rural Infrastructure and outlined ongoing measures including research, planting programmes, grower training, pest control inputs, credit and grants, awareness campaigns, and commercial cultivation by plantation companies. She said the Government’s short-, medium-, and long-term responses include fertilizer supply, pest and disease control, home-garden promotion, rehabilitation and replanting, Budget support, expansion into non-traditional areas including a Northern coconut triangle, mitigation of animal damage, and a UNIDO-supported roadmap targeting 4,200 million nuts and USD 1,500 million in export earnings by 2030. Oral Question: Coconut Production Decline (Q.290/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake asked the Prime Minister why coconut yields have declined despite the crop’s past importance as a leading export commodity and noted that Sri Lanka is now importing coconut to meet domestic needs. He sought details on the State and semi-State bodies responsible for coconut cultivation, the measures they have taken to meet local and export demand for coconut and related products, their effectiveness, and the Government’s short-, medium- and long-term plans to address the shortage. Oral Question: Coconut Production Decline (Q.290/2024) Read →
- 5 February 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation presented the 2022 Annual Report of the National Post-Harvest Management Institute. He moved that the report be referred to the Ministry’s Consultative Committee, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Tabling of Reports and Orders Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said heavy rains in the North and East had damaged paddy crops and that the Government had directed pledge loans to small millers, cooperatives and major millers to enable immediate purchases, including wetter paddy with moisture levels up to about 27 per cent. He identified the absence of proper crop insurance as a systemic problem and stated that the Government would compensate verified crop losses despite past misuse of crop insurance funds. He said he would convene cooperative insurance officials the following week to finalize a crop insurance mechanism to protect farmers against cultivation losses. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan welcomed the Minister’s measures on the rice issue but reported severe flood damage to paddy cultivation, including around 60 percent of fields in Kilinochchi and losses across Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Mannar, Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa. He said wet and damaged paddy could not be stored and that farmers had suffered losses both during flowering and harvesting stages. He urged the Government to provide urgent support and a lifeline for affected farmers ahead of the coming short season. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe responded to issues raised in the debate on import and levy regulations, stating that any coconut imports should be limited to raw material for export industries due to reduced local harvests, while protecting jobs and foreign exchange. He said investigations were ongoing into bar permit allocations and defended the Government’s cost-cutting measures on ministerial vehicles, fuel and phone facilities. On rice, he rejected claims that one million metric tons of paddy were being hidden, citing national storage capacities and production figures, and said misinformation would be investigated. He also outlined recent rice import volumes, restrictions on using rice for animal feed, and broader food security pressures involving wheat, coconuts, potatoes and onions. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning AI summary The Deputy Minister said the gazettes before Parliament arose from previous policy decisions and reflected longstanding failures in agriculture, storage, data management, import planning, and administration. He argued that rice imports and food standards issues exposed past neglect, while stressing that new standards must be matched with port, customs, and implementation capacity to avoid disruption to businesses and consumers. On strategic development tax concessions, he said delays and pre-election agreements under the previous Government had affected investor confidence, while the present Government was facilitating existing investments and ensuring environmental safeguards, including an EIA for effluent discharge. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about a severe coconut shortage, citing whitefly damage, reduced fertilizer use, land fragmentation, and inadequate action by sector institutions despite export growth and high potential in value-added products such as coconut milk, oil, coir and cocopeat. He urged the Government to permit carefully controlled imports of coconuts and husks for processing only, in consultation with the National Plant Quarantine Service, and to allow qualified processors to import directly rather than routing consignments through parastatal bodies. He also called for support for cultivation inputs, irrigation and value addition, warning that failure to meet industrial demand could undermine rural employment and foreign exchange earnings. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana supported regulations under import and export control laws, arguing they are necessary to manage essential goods and safeguard food security. He criticized the previous administration for policies and actions he said contributed to rice, fertilizer, and coconut supply problems, including the organic-only fertilizer policy, substandard fertilizer imports, and land-use decisions. He stated that the Government would ensure accurate statistics, protect both farmers and consumers in pricing and supply decisions, and take measures to guarantee food security. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka attributed Sri Lanka’s economic and agricultural difficulties to past corrupt administrations and noted that, despite over eight million people being involved in farming, agriculture contributed only 7.98 per cent to GDP in 2023. He said the Government is increasing the fertilizer subsidy to Rs. 25,000 with a Rs. 20 billion allocation, restoring Paddy Marketing Board storage and procurement with Rs. 5,000 million, and restarting production using Eppawala phosphate. He stated that these measures are intended to strengthen agriculture, improve food security, and restore Sri Lanka’s position as a major agricultural producer. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka rejected Opposition criticism over rice shortages and prices, arguing that the new Government inherited a bankrupt country and a weakened Paddy Marketing Board with poor data on harvests and stocks. He said food security is a priority of the Government, and that after verifying unreliable official figures it identified a developing shortage requiring about 4,000 metric tons of rice per day. He stated that the Government decided to import rice to prevent shortages, with 167,000 metric tons already brought in and a further 8,000 metric tons arriving. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir, speaking during the debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, said flood-related releases from Senanayake Samudraya had damaged more than 25 percent of paddy cultivation in Ampara District, which supplies a significant share of national rice, and warned this could increase the need for rice imports. He requested coordinated planning by the Government Agent and Irrigation Engineers to maintain protective bunds and manage reservoir levels proactively, along with relief for affected farmers. He also called for a fair inquiry into the transfer of senior nursing officer Umar Ali from Nintavur Base Hospital, and urged that any restrictions on imported vehicle beautification items be implemented without unfairly harming legitimate traders. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal argued that Sri Lanka has failed for decades to harness its natural resources and export potential, citing raw ilmenite exports, salt production, tourism, and traditional exports such as tea, rubber and apparel. He said the NPP Government intends to build an export-led economy, protect public assets, reduce fraud and strengthen good governance. He also addressed the current rice shortage, noting recent imports and damage from heavy rains, and said the Government would procure paddy through the Paddy Marketing Board, rehabilitate storage facilities under “Clean Sri Lanka,” and prevent future shortages. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the import and export control regulations under debate, linking them to the Government’s response to rice supply issues and the need for proper paddy procurement, storage, and market release mechanisms. She stated that the Army had rehabilitated 30 paddy stores and that the Government intended to refurbish 209 abandoned stores, while criticizing past agricultural policy decisions, including the sudden shift to organic fertilizer. She also argued that recent shortages and media coverage were being politicized, and cited Prime Minister’s Office expenditure and vehicle cost reductions as evidence of Government efficiency and savings. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam opposed proceeding with the Jay Jay Mills textile factory project at Punnakuda beach without assurances on effluent treatment, sea discharge, and water availability, arguing the site has tourism value and local water supply is already constrained. He requested a proper government assessment of rice stocks, imports, flood damage, and paddy harvests, warning of possible shortages and inadequate compensation to farmers in Batticaloa after repeated flooding. He also alleged ongoing encroachment and clearing of Forest Conservation Department lands and elephant corridor areas in Batticaloa, naming local incidents and asking the Government to halt the clearing and arrest those responsible rather than only investigate. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne addressed the import and export regulations on rice, arguing that recent import decisions exposed serious weaknesses in national agricultural data rather than only a short-term supply issue. She attributed recurring rice and paddy sector problems to long-term policy failures affecting farmers, land rights, climate resilience and storage capacity. She cited current government measures including Rs. 50 billion for paddy purchasing, rehabilitation of 209 paddy stores, support for small and medium rice mills, and a halt to filling paddy lands. She also highlighted proposals for a National Agricultural Development Council and a real-time national agriculture data system to support data-driven agricultural policy. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns over delays at Sri Lanka Customs, stating that around 3,000 containers were stuck and that demurrage and port-related costs would be passed on to consumers, including for essential goods. He called for an investigation and suspensions over the reported release of 323 containers, particularly those allegedly requiring “red line” checks, and asked who authorized the releases. He also criticized rising rice and coconut prices, urged the Government to gazette a guaranteed paddy price, remove the Rs. 65 per kg levy on imported rice if it was inherited from the previous administration, and resolve contradictions over public servants’ vehicle permits. Debate: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Related Economic Measures Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe corrected a prior statement, asserting that Sri Lanka has never recorded a 4.9 million metric ton Maha harvest. He affirmed that the referenced figure was incorrect. Committee Report: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister responded to concerns raised by Hon. Harsha de Silva regarding rice data, stating that some figures cited were inaccurate, including the claim that one million metric tons of rice were missing. He acknowledged that the Maha harvest was lower than previously stated and said he would provide factual details and outline Government measures to address data-related issues during the debate. Committee Report: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 Read →
- 23 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on import/export control regulations, a Strategic Development Projects Act notification, and a Ports and Airports Development Levy order. He noted action to resolve discrepancies between food import standards and Consumer Affairs Authority standards, and raised concerns about inconsistent paddy and rice production data used to justify rice import decisions, asking the Agriculture and Finance Ministries to examine the matter, including claims of missing or hoarded rice stocks. He also stated that the Committee approved measures under the Sri Lanka–Singapore FTA to phase down the Ports and Airports Development Levy over five years, in line with the Government’s stated position. Committee Report: Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 Read →