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- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa asked why many farmers had not received the first Rs. 15,000 payment before the Maha harvest, noting that delayed support would not improve yields and that some farmers had been unable to plant due to weather anomalies. He sought clarification on promised relief, suggested that even Rs. 40,000 would help farmers replant, referred to reports of yellowing fields and Treasury funding constraints, and asked what measures would address possible crop losses and a resulting rice shortage. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary A total of 606,992 farmers are eligible for the fertilizer assistance scheme, with district-wise details tabled in the Library. The assistance covers the period from 1 October 2024 to 15 February 2025, with the Rs. 25,000 payment divided into two tranches; only the first Rs. 15,000 tranche has been paid so far in line with Election Commission guidelines, and further disbursement is continuing based on district requests. The Government plans to develop a fairer structured mechanism for future fertilizer support after consultations with farmer organizations, including direct delivery to fields, and intends to provide 25,239.73 metric tons of Muriate of Potash free for the 2024/2025 Maha season. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 8 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa raised a question to the Prime Minister on the current rice shortage and the need to prevent future shortages without relying on imports. He requested district-wise details on farmers eligible for Maha season fertilizer assistance, timelines and dates of disbursement of the proposed Rs. 25,000 support, and asked whether fertilizer could be provided in-kind through farmer organizations, as was done between 2011 and 2014, instead of cash assistance. Oral Question: Clean Sri Lanka Programme and Related Questions to Prime Minister Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of rice imports, alleging that a Rs. 65 per kg import tax kept prices high and benefited large millers while burdening consumers and small traders. He called for clarification and prompt payment of fertilizer support, questioning whether farmers were receiving the previously approved Rs. 25,000 per hectare or only Rs. 15,000. He demanded a clear mechanism for paddy purchasing ahead of the harvest, including a fair controlled price around Rs. 130 per kg, and warned of farmer mobilization if the Government failed to act. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L. M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Prof. Abeywickrama said the positive fiscal indicators in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 mask serious weaknesses in production sectors, especially agriculture, where growth and GDP contribution have declined due to inconsistent and politically driven policies. He cited the abrupt organic fertilizer shift, input restrictions, the Nilwala salt-barrier project, weakened extension services, and wildlife damage to home gardens as factors undermining farm livelihoods and food production. He called for a data- and science-based, step-by-step agricultural strategy under the Government’s “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” programme, with greater diversification beyond narrow staple-focused policies. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed, in his maiden speech, highlighted post-war land, agricultural, and public health issues in the Vanni District, particularly alleging that Forest Department demarcations have prevented displaced owners from accessing private lands. He called for the Pampaimadu garbage dump in Vavuniya, which he said affects nearby residents, university students, farmers, and groundwater, to be relocated and secured, and urged rehabilitation of 235 unrestored village tanks to support cultivation. He also requested that local government elections avoid clashing with G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations and Ramadan, and asked for additional Sathosa outlets in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar to address high prices and limited relief access. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri criticised the Government’s performance after taking office, arguing that it had failed to deliver promised relief on rice, essential goods, electricity prices and taxation. He alleged continued rice shortages and benefits to large millers despite import measures, and contrasted current policies with positions taken by Government figures when in Opposition, including on the IMF programme and PAYE tax. He also raised concerns about the CID inquiry involving Parliament staff over a medal issue and accused the Government of pressuring the media for recalling its previous pledges. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan argued that repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act is necessary to build confidence among diaspora investors and support economic recovery. He requested Budget allocations for a proposed Vavuniya University campus in Mannar, urged the release of civilian lands held by the military, Forest Department and Department of Archaeology in the North and East, and called for action on Indian trawler incursions affecting fisheries. He also asked the Government to correct exclusions from relief schemes for families with one public servant spouse, and urged the Foreign Ministry to facilitate the return of Sri Lankan refugees from Indian camps, including through the proposed Kankesanthurai-Tuticorin ferry. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government for failing to fulfil election pledges on rice prices, essential goods, tax reductions, utility bills, and senior citizens’ deposits, arguing that controlled prices and import decisions contradicted earlier promises. He questioned the Government’s debt and reserve management, stating that only part of sovereign bond principal is under standstill and asking what new revenue streams or investments had been secured to maintain debt sustainability. While saying the Opposition would not sabotage the Government and would support beneficial measures, he urged the Government to admit past campaign claims were false and to use the forthcoming Budget to provide relief, reduce taxes and bills, and implement its promises. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran said the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position showed mixed economic indicators and argued that Sri Lanka needs a stronger economic policy, better investment planning, and improved management of scarce resources. He criticized the continued importation of rice despite agricultural potential and urged greater use of technology, land, marine resources, and reported seabed mineral deposits identified under the International Seabed Authority process. He also raised the impact of human-elephant conflict on farmers in Ampara, calling for more Wildlife Department staff and properly maintained elephant fences in specified affected villages. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif called for cross-party support for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s long-term economic programme, arguing that all former governing parties share responsibility for the country’s current difficulties and should unite to rebuild it. He highlighted local infrastructure and livelihood issues in Kandy District, including the lack of public toilets and parking in Gampola, agricultural and fertilizer-related problems, and recurring flooding in Akkaraipattu. He also referred to Government welfare measures, including Rs. 6,000 per child for children in Aswasuma beneficiary families, an increased Rs. 3,000 allowance, and raising the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000, while stating the aim of making Sri Lanka prosperous by 2028–2029. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi said the 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report shows some positive economic indicators, while attributing the crisis to past borrowing, weak production sectors, inadequate social protection and corruption that led to IMF-related constraints. He argued that the NPP Government has a mandate to pursue macroeconomic stabilization alongside social protection, citing measures such as fertilizer support, enhanced Aswasuma benefits, VAT reductions on dairy products, fuel subsidies for fishers, school allowances for low-income children and allowances for pensioners. He said the forthcoming Budget would implement the Government’s programme over five years, with attention to exchange-rate stability, investor confidence, remittances, stalled projects and improved relations with countries including India and China. Adjournment Debate: 2024 Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, it was stated that many pig farms have been affected by deaths due to African Swine Fever. The Ministry has held discussions with affected producers and is studying possible compensation or other relief measures, while noting that eligible small and medium-scale producers may obtain loan relief under Central Bank Circular No. 04 of 2024. A further notification will be made after a policy decision is reached. Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation whether he is aware of a pig epidemic affecting farms in Sri Lanka, causing deaths, farm closures, and major losses due to the absence of an effective vaccine or medicine. Sought details on whether the Government will provide compensation or relief to affected farm owners, when such support would be provided, and, if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease: Compensation for Farm Owners AI summary A question was raised regarding compensation for pig farm owners affected by an epidemic disease that caused pig deaths, seeking details on government action and relief measures. The matter was presented as Oral Answer No. 187/2024, focusing on whether affected farmers would receive compensation and what steps had been taken to address losses from the outbreak. Oral Question: Death of Pigs Due to Epidemic Disease and Procedural Matters (Q.187/2024) Read →
- 7 January 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha JJB AI summary Prof. Anil Jayantha identified ten key development sectors, including human resource development, modern agriculture, energy, digitalization, tourism, IT, fisheries, transport, MSMEs, and culture/environmental conservation, all linked to the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. He stated that investment projections are based on recent trends, incentives, improved investment conditions, and policy consistency, with USD 879 million in domestic investment projected for 2025. He said the Government aims to attract at least USD 2 billion in FDI annually up to 2034, prioritizing technology and capital-intensive projects, while addressing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing grey-list concerns; a detailed answer with tables was tabled. Oral Question: Economic Projections and Key Development Sectors (Q.234/2024) Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government was addressing rice shortages through immediate imports, noting that over 7,000 metric tons had already arrived and that more than 100,000 metric tons were expected, with further decisions to be reviewed if supplies remained insufficient. He stated that importers were being consulted on volumes and that the Government would use the cooperative movement, the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation, and Sathosa to purchase paddy and help control prices. He also referred to available storage capacity, inspections of stores, and the need for proper drying and moisture control to preserve paddy stocks. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe explained the basis for setting rice prices, stating that a Rs. 5 retail margin over the Rs. 215 wholesale price was fixed after Consumer Affairs Authority calculations and evidence from traders, given the low margins on rice and costs such as transport, storage, interest and stockholding. He reported that Nadu stocks stood at 40,795 metric tons as of 17 December, with CAA monitoring mills and daily supplies being sent to Sathosa, which was selling about 300 metric tons of locally procured rice per day. He said Sri Lanka produces enough rice in normal conditions but shortages arise due to stock management issues, animal feed use and disaster-related crop damage, and assured that, barring emergencies or natural disasters, the current round would be the last rice importation. He added that a Cabinet-appointed food security committee and government paddy purchasing would support domestic rice management while protecting both farmers and consumers. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad questioned the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development on the current rice shortage and high prices ahead of the festive season. He sought details on the basis for setting wholesale and retail price margins, the available stocks of Nadu rice and paddy, whether further imports are planned, and what measures will prevent future shortages and control prices. He also asked why rice imports were delayed and whether the Government intends to use buffer stocks or imports to regulate prices in future. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 18 December 2024 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the fairness of the Rs. 65 per kilogram tax on imported rice, arguing that it burdens consumers at a time when rice is already unaffordable and the country may need about 200,000 metric tons per month until the next harvest. He said the Government should use Parliament’s powers to reduce the tax immediately rather than wait for promised concessions, and should allow private importers to bring in rice under the controlled price. He also argued that Sathosa tenders are unnecessary and would only delay imports, risking shortages and benefiting large rice traders. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Read →