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 December 2024 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage supported the Vote on Account, arguing that it gives practical effect to the President’s policy statement by increasing support for the fisheries sector and linking it to a broader plan for a productive economy. He cited Sri Lanka’s maritime resources and past budget allocations, stating that Rs. 5,769 million has been allocated for fisheries for the next four months, benefiting workers and dependent communities. He said the Government aims over five years to raise fish consumption, increase fisheries’ GDP contribution, and improve training and status within the sector. He also defended the Government’s advisory arrangements, contrasting them with previous administrations and naming professionals now involved. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources JJB AI summary Rathna Gamage defended the Vote on Account, stating it is a constitutionally established interim financial measure rather than a Budget, and criticized Opposition Members for allegedly misrepresenting its contents. He rejected claims about allocations for presidential advisers and clarified fisheries relief measures, including diesel subsidies for multi-day vessels and small boats, with monthly settlement arrangements approved through the Fisheries Ministry. He argued that the Vote on Account provides a four-month framework to support the productive economy under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana — Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the four-month Vote on Account as necessary to maintain government operations until a full Budget aligned with the Government’s election programme can be prepared. He argued that the new administration inherited severe economic and sectoral problems, including in agriculture, SMEs, fisheries and state enterprises, and said demands for immediate solutions within two weeks of assuming office were unreasonable. He cited recent reductions in many commodity prices, currency and stock market stability, increased remittances, and expenditure controls as early progress, while stating that the Government would not privatize the CEB or pursue layoffs despite overstaffing in entities such as Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories. He also outlined the broader “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as an effort to reform Parliament, public institutions, society and governance practices. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka marked his first speech as an MP for Ududumbara, noting the National People’s Power’s electoral gains in Kandy and the return of representation for Ududumbara/Hasalaka after many years. He highlighted severe drinking water shortages and kidney disease concerns in areas including Ududumbara, Teldeniya, Digana, Matale, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Ampara, as well as the human-elephant conflict in Hassalaka, Ududumbara, Mahiyanganaya, and Mahaweli-adjacent districts. He argued that previous governments and long-serving representatives had failed to address these issues, contributing to debt, economic decline, and youth migration, and stated that the NPP Government would prioritize resolving these problems and improving living conditions. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy, speaking on the Vote on Account and the President’s policy statement, rejected attempts to attribute past governments’ actions to the SJB and urged the Government to match its promises with delivery. He said many small-scale fishers had not received announced relief and criticised the Rs. 5 increase in kerosene prices, while also calling for compensation and assessments for repeated crop losses in Kalpitiya. He questioned the cost of debt restructuring advisers and asked that funds instead support fishers, farmers and consumers, urging programmes to reduce living costs ahead of Christmas and the New Year while offering Opposition support for beneficial measures. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna supported the Vote on Account and argued that the NPP Government would pursue its five-year “A Prosperous Country — Beautiful Lives” programme to build a production-based economy rather than continue previous economic approaches. He said current flood compensation rates for damaged paddy land are inadequate and should be revised, while wider agricultural reforms should reduce production costs by lowering taxes on inputs and machinery. He also proposed rehabilitating small tanks, modernizing irrigation, improving water availability for both cultivation seasons, developing village fisheries to support nutrition, and introducing proper land-use planning to prioritize food production and support young farmers. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath supported the Vote on Account as necessary to fund essential services, including public sector salaries and sectoral expenditure, while the new Government prepares the 2025 Budget. He argued that the current economic crisis resulted from past economic policies and mismanagement, and said the National People’s Power Government intends to shift towards a production-focused economy. He highlighted issues in agriculture and markets, including high rice and coconut prices, alleged market manipulation, and crop losses in Hambantota, proposing stronger state intervention such as an expanded Paddy Marketing Board. He stated that the Government would implement recovery plans over the coming months and invited others to support the rebuilding process. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised district-level concerns including wild animal conflict, requesting reconsideration of firearms permits for farmers, and Akurana flooding, calling for discussion on engineering proposals and coordination committee action. He also urged negotiated handling of the Kalmunai Divisional Secretariat delimitation issue, taking Muslim community concerns and pending litigation into account, and called for lawful elections before appointing trustees to the Nindavur Mosque. On the Vote on Account, he questioned large allocations linked to sovereign debt restructuring and alleged possible insider dealing, comparing it with past bond controversies, and called for investigations into both external debt restructuring and Domestic Debt Optimization, particularly its impact on EPF members and gains by primary dealers. He said he would submit questions to the Finance Minister seeking formal answers. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Minister K.D. Lal Kantha thanked voters in Kandy for electing a large National People’s Power representation and outlined district priorities including wild animal damage to crops and flood mitigation in Akurana, stating that compensation, legal crop-protection measures, and a special flood project would be pursued. He linked these issues to the Government’s wider “system change” agenda, citing changes to political culture, state ceremonies, vehicle use, and the need for a more efficient public service. Responding to concerns about reducing state employees, he said some institutions have politically recruited excess staff while others, such as Wildlife Conservation and veterinary services, face shortages, and said staffing issues should be addressed transparently. He also said agricultural and irrigation projects must prioritize farmer benefits, while agencies such as the Paddy Marketing Board would be reoriented to improve farmer livelihoods and consumer outcomes. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka questioned the Government’s plan to purchase rice at Rs. 220 per kilo from mills that had bought paddy at Rs. 90 per kilo, and said imports should be allowed if there is a genuine shortage. He highlighted shortages in his district, stating that shops limit rice sales to one kilo and that coconuts and coconut milk powder are unavailable, including at Keells despite the Prime Minister’s visit. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Acknowledging a rice market shortfall and allegations of hoarding, the Minister said the Government is taking short-term measures to stabilize supply, including permitting up to 70,000 metric tons of rice imports, of which about 50,000 metric tons are expected to arrive. He said Sathosa is releasing 200 metric tons of rice daily at Rs. 220 per kilo, covering about three percent of daily demand, until imports and private stocks enter the market. He also stated that some traders and loan recipients are attempting to manipulate stocks and prices, and said he would present details and pursue longer-term measures to prevent market abuse. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 5 December 2024 The Hon. D. V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary D. V. Chanaka responded to remarks by the Government Chief Whip about his group’s level of support, arguing that their support had increased while cautioning the government about political decline. He also raised concerns about crop damage and paddy cultivation costs, noting that the minimum cost of cultivating an acre is about Rs. 90,000 and urging the Agriculture Minister to take action. Debate on Vote on Account for 2025 (continued) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir described repeated flood damage in the Ampara District, noting that rehabilitation work worth about Rs. 300 million following the 2023 opening of the Senanayake Samudra floodgates had been damaged again by recent floods. He requested government attention to restore irrigation and agricultural infrastructure, warning that only about one month of irrigation water remained before harvest. He also thanked community organizations involved in rescue and recovery efforts in Mavadippalli, Karaitivu, Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai, and called for relief for residents of Navithanveli, which he said had been entirely submerged and left people unable to work. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla, making his maiden speech, argued that Badulla’s current disaster impacts reflect long-term failures in governance affecting education, health, agriculture, the environment, and disaster preparedness. He said 103 families and 3,844 people had been affected, with one death, eight hospitalizations, and about 104 acres of farmland destroyed, and criticized the lack of Opposition presence to address these issues. He called for urgent reforms to reservoir management, including lowering water levels ahead of heavy rains, insurance or protection for downstream communities, sirens, warning signs, evacuation guidance, and early warning systems, citing the midnight opening of the Ulhitiya-Rathkinda spill gates in the Mahaweli “C” area. He also thanked Mahaweli Authority, Divisional Secretariat, and relief officials for their response efforts while urging MPs to work directly with affected communities. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna thanked the Government for emergency allocations for dry rations and cooked food in Jaffna and Kilinochchi following heavy rains, citing information from the respective Government Agents and his visits to affected areas. He urged greater recognition of the Tamil diaspora’s role in supporting households in the North and said diaspora members were willing to return and invest in Sri Lanka. He pledged cooperation with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Government on national measures, while criticizing the previous chemical fertilizer policy and those now proposing agricultural compensation. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised disaster impacts in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, citing large-scale displacement, damage to paddy cultivation, livestock deaths, road damage, unrepaired tanks, and losses to agriculture, livestock and fisheries. He requested adequate compensation based on damage assessments, immediate provision of seed paddy, urgent rehabilitation of about 157 tanks, repair of agricultural and local roads and drainage, and support for fisherfolk and livestock farmers. He also proposed relocating repeatedly flood-affected settlements to higher ground with housing schemes, while noting that previous governments, including during his own tenure, had not resolved these issues due to constraints. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne emphasized that disaster management should prioritize preparedness, including convening the National Council for Disaster Management and undertaking pre-emptive rehabilitation of vulnerable irrigation infrastructure. He said the Government had decided to raise death compensation for natural disasters from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1,000,000, while the existing Rs. 40,000 per acre crop-loss compensation rate is inadequate and should be revised. He distinguished natural disaster compensation from losses caused by policy or administrative failures, citing Udawalawa water releases, unpaid potato and onion seed purchases, unpaid crop insurance claims, and farmer pension arrears. He also proposed reforms to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, insurance coverage for all cultivated plots, low-interest collateral-free farmer loans, and noted that fertilizer payments for the current paddy season would be made shortly. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran thanked voters in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya and highlighted severe recent disaster impacts in the North and East, including flooding, deaths, crop losses, livestock losses and damage to fishing livelihoods. He requested relief for affected farmers, livestock rearers and fisherfolk based on official statistics, while acknowledging district-level assessments and emergency work by officials and MPs. He also called for a new project in the next Budget to replace the damaged Vattuvakal Bridge in Mullivaikkal East, noting its wartime damage, monsoon risks and use by around 40,000 people. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa reported extensive cyclone and flood damage in Ampara District, including 11 deaths, 46,766 affected families, major crop losses, damaged houses, irrigation works, roads, bridges, and fisheries assets. He said the Government would move beyond short-term disaster responses by preparing plans, regulations and preventive measures to manage recurring floods, while acknowledging that flooding cannot be eliminated entirely. He called for expedited and improved assessment procedures for agricultural losses, warning that delays by officials are unacceptable, and cited estimated compensation and reconstruction needs running into several billions of rupees. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said the Vanni District, particularly Mannar and Mullaitivu, suffered serious flood damage due to inadequate drainage, raised roads obstructing water flow, and poorly planned projects such as the Mannar wind power development. He urged the Government to prioritize drainage infrastructure, rehabilitate breached and vulnerable small tanks, and address immediate risks to villages. He requested relief for affected paddy, pulse and vegetable farmers through loan grace periods or waivers, and compensation for fisherfolk who were unable to go to sea, while acknowledging recent ministerial attention and funding for the affected districts. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →