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- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the issue concerning grasslands and cattle access is long-standing and that the Government is continuing existing administrative measures rather than starting anew. He cited demarcation of about 1,300 acres of Mahaweli land in Mailathamadu and temporary permission for cattle to access certain Forest Department lands for fodder pending gazetting. He said discussions through Divisional Secretaries and relevant institutions are continuing alongside necessary legal and administrative steps. Oral Question: Ungazetted Livestock Grasslands in Batticaloa District (Q.64/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised the issue of grazing-land disputes in the North and East, noting that although the question referred to Mailathamadu in Batticaloa, similar problems exist in Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee. He said the matter has generated inter-ethnic tensions and argued that a durable solution is to gazette the relevant areas as grazing lands, citing previous efforts since 2010 and a prior proposal to gazette 3,000 acres, while requesting 6,000 acres for Mailathamadu. He asked whether the new Government would continue from the progress already made or restart the process. Oral Question: Ungazetted Livestock Grasslands in Batticaloa District (Q.64/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister stated that about 100,000 cattle are present in the relevant DS Divisions and that sufficient grasslands are available for them. He said around 6,000 acres of these grasslands are currently under institutions such as the Department of Forest Conservation and the Mahaweli Authority, and must be released under the relevant legal frameworks before being gazetted as grasslands. Necessary action to complete that process is in progress. Oral Question: Ungazetted Livestock Grasslands in Batticaloa District (Q.64/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation whether he is aware of approximately 600,000 livestock grasslands in Keviliyamadu, Mailaththa Madu and Unnichchei in the Batticaloa District that have not yet been gazetted as “livestock grasslands.” He requested the reasons for the failure to gazette these lands and the steps the Ministry intends to take, or an explanation if no action is planned. Oral Question: Ungazetted Livestock Grasslands in Batticaloa District (Q.64/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Minister regarding alleged losses and commissions linked to a white onion fraud, arguing that arbitrary pricing decisions may have enabled such commissions. He asked whether investigations had identified those who received commissions and whether any political authority was directly connected to the matter. Oral Question: White Onion Fraud and Trade Ministry Investigation (Q.52/2024) Read →
- 17 December 2024 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Minister presented the 2023 Annual Performance Report of the Department of Animal Production and Health and moved that it be referred to the relevant Committee, which was agreed to. He also presented, under Standing Order 124(6), a report on observations and actions taken concerning matters related to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation as contained in a Committee on Rules and Procedure report, and moved its referral to that Committee, which was also agreed to. Papers: Auditor-General's Report and Reports Tabled Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha thanked voters in the Ratnapura District and outlined his political background with the UNP and SJB, expressing support for Hon. Sajith Premadasa’s service programmes such as Sakwala, Husma and Janasuwaya. He rejected any blanket accusation that the entire Opposition was responsible for the country’s bankruptcy, attributing the crisis to corruption and waste, and said many responsible persons had been rejected by voters. He highlighted rural infrastructure problems, including poor roads affecting patient transport, and urged the Agriculture Ministry to include support for banana farmers in the forthcoming Budget, specifically proposing fertilizer subsidies in response to falling banana prices. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that local brown sugar producers are unable to compete because brown sugar is subject to about 20 per cent in taxes, including 18 per cent VAT, while imported white sugar is VAT-exempt and cheaper in the market. He said he intends to submit a Cabinet paper seeking removal of VAT on brown sugar to help clear existing stocks, support local factories, and address employee-related issues. He also noted that Sri Lanka needs about 130,000 metric tons of sugar annually, of which local producers can supply around 70,000 metric tons, and called for correction of the classification that treats imported white sugar as essential while local brown sugar is deemed non-essential. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB AI summary R.M. Jayawardhana raised a question regarding the financial and operational difficulties at the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar companies, both under the Sri Lanka Sugar Company and economically significant to Monaragala District. He noted that Pelwatte has 23,000 metric tons of unsold sugar and over one million litres of stored ethanol, with similar issues at Sevanagala, leading to protests. He asked the Minister whether any decisions had been taken to address the crisis. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi called for compensation to be paid to farmers whose paddy cultivation failed due to damaged tanks and anicuts, citing around 35,250 hectares affected in Hambantota last season after water was not released from Samanalawewa. He said only a limited number of farmers had received compensation and requested that it be extended to all affected farmers. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Dilip Wedaarachchi stated that supporting multi-day fishing fleets could increase fish supply and earn foreign exchange through the tuna industry. He also referred to past agricultural development efforts, citing D. S. Senanayake’s settlement and agriculture initiatives and Gamini Dissanayake’s establishment of schemes including Lunugamvehera. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB AI summary Called for compensation to be paid to all families affected by past violence, including both victims and the Government’s own supporters who died, while also urging punishment of those responsible for killings. On fisheries, he disputed claims that beached boats had returned to work, stating that many multi-day vessels remained unable to operate because of the fuel crisis and engine damage. He proposed Rs. 5 million concessional loans to repair and relaunch such boats and an increase in targeted fuel support from Rs. 25 to Rs. 100 per litre through Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation tokens for multi-day fishing fleets. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva argued that the cooperative movement failed due to politicization, citing alleged political appointments and malpractice under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that led to audits and halted operations. He urged that cooperatives be kept depoliticized, referencing successful models in New Zealand, the US, and the “Shakthi” cooperative, and said his side was ready to share proposals to stabilize rice prices while ensuring fair farmer incomes. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. Harsha de Silva argued that the rice shortage and price issue cannot be resolved through Gazettes, enforcement, or imports alone, which he said provide only temporary relief and disadvantage small millers while benefiting larger market players. He cited the 2018-2019 “Shakthi Sahal” cooperative model, involving SME millers and farmers, as having helped stabilise rice prices and increase competition. He requested the Government to relaunch the initiative, or a similar programme under another name, and offered support through a committee to address the issue collaboratively. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Imports have been opened until 20 December, with discussions held with importers to bring in the maximum feasible quantity. Due to flood damage in the Eastern Province requiring over 70,000 acres to be replanted, only about 50,000 tons may be imported immediately, while a tender for 52,000 tons has been floated. The aim is to secure enough supply to stabilize the market while avoiding harm to farmers. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned whether the Government would implement its stated tax commitments in the 2025 Budget, including zero tax for monthly incomes between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 200,000, no VAT on food, and positions on digital services, IT services, vehicle import levies, and fuel and electricity pricing formulas. He said the Opposition would give the Government time but sought a specific response on rice, noting public expectations from the new Parliament’s mandate. He highlighted rising rice prices above gazetted controlled prices, shortages in retail outlets, and the Government’s shift from pledging not to import rice to gazetting permission for imports until 20 December, reportedly up to about 300,000 metric tons. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 6 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government would proceed within existing understandings, including with the IMF, while avoiding instability and implementing the NPP’s programme following its mandate. He referred to past debt accumulation and questioned the use of some loan proceeds, stating that forensic audits are being pursued. He said the short-term Vote on Account would be followed by a Budget under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, and addressed price pressures on essential goods. On rice, he said large millers with about Rs. 15 billion in state bank loans had been instructed to release stocks, with supplies now going to Sathosa and maximum retail prices notified for Nadu, Kekulu and Samba rice. Debate on Vote on Account for Ministry of Public Administration and Related Matters Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka thanked voters in Anuradhapura and highlighted urgent difficulties facing district farmers, stating that the promised Rs. 25,000 fertilizer relief had not been fully paid and calling for proper compensation for flood damage, including consideration of earlier demands for Rs. 100,000 per acre and support for other crops. He argued that debate on the Vote on Account should focus on current responsibilities rather than repeated references to “76 years” of past politics, noting that all parties connected to past governments share responsibility. He also urged the Government to act quickly on its election promises to prosecute corruption and present the cited 400 evidence files, while affirming the Opposition’s role in questioning the Government on behalf of the public. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. K.S. Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. K.S. Kugathasan highlighted flood-related damage in the Trincomalee District during comments on the Government’s policy statement. He said 23,463 acres of paddy were fully damaged, 10,525 acres partially damaged, 12,994 farming families affected, and 28 irrigation tanks breached fully or partially. He also noted income losses for 23,178 fishing families and flood impacts on 4,250 households, and requested necessary relief for all affected groups. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. K.S. Kugathasan ITAK AI summary Hon. K.S. Kugathasan, in his maiden speech, welcomed the President’s policy statement on transparent, merit-based governance, rule of law, an efficient public service, protection of public assets and action against corruption, while urging that these pledges be implemented in practice. He argued that economic policy should pursue not only growth but equitable development and income distribution, citing Bolivia as an example where growth increased inequality. He proposed strengthening agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry, including through specialized universities similar to the Agricultural University at Coimbatore, to support sectoral development and foreign exchange earnings. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →