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- 4 December 2024 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka raised concerns about the Government’s response to recent flood damage, including loss of life, destruction of crops and property, and the absence of clear livelihood restoration measures. He argued that the proposed Rs. 40,000 per acre compensation for damaged paddy fields is inadequate compared with farmers’ incurred costs and requested at least Rs. 100,000 per acre, including for partially damaged lands. He questioned why the Government could not provide greater relief if claimed savings from reduced corruption and expenditure were being realized, and urged immediate delivery of fertilizer support and compensation to affected farmers. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha seconded the Adjournment Motion on recent adverse weather, emphasizing severe impacts on farmers, fisherfolk, households, irrigation systems, and the wider economy across multiple provinces. He questioned the adequacy of the proposed Rs. 40,000 per acre compensation for damaged paddy lands, sought clarification on support for farmers unable to replant and for non-farmer households with damaged houses, and urged faster funding and authority for District Secretaries to deliver relief. He called for stronger disaster management coordination among agencies, urgent remedial irrigation works including in the Heda Oya basin, and expedited installation of the Japan-assisted Doppler radar system at Puttalam to improve early warnings ahead of possible further weather events. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen moved an Adjournment Motion on the impact of the “Bengal” cyclone and floods, stating that more than 475,000 people in 24 districts were affected, with deaths, crop losses, property damage, damaged roads and tanks, and livestock losses. He urged the Government to provide compensation for loss of life, crop and property damage, and livelihood losses, citing severe damage in Mannar District including 68,334 affected persons and thousands of hectares of agricultural land. He alleged negligence by police and disaster management officials in the deaths of Nintavur madrasa students near the Karaithivu bridge, and called for legal action against officials who failed to warn, rescue, or respond properly. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Hon. Namal Karunaratne discussed the current paddy and rice crisis, attributing it to the previous Government’s failure to purchase paddy during the last Yala season and its sale of State stocks at a loss. He cited past audit findings and alleged irregularities in rice imports, duty changes, and Paddy Marketing Board stock releases to argue that prior policies benefited intermediaries while harming farmers and consumers. He stated that the Government had reluctantly begun importing rice to address the shortage and pledged to reform paddy purchasing, storage, milling, and distribution to protect farmers, consumers, and legitimate value-added sectors. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Snr. Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Snr. Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara thanked voters for the National People’s Power victory and urged Parliament to focus on the President’s national policy statement rather than past political divisions. He argued that the mandate reflects public demand to move beyond the traditional political cycle and invited both Government and Opposition to work together on national rebuilding. He highlighted poverty and deprivation in rural areas, especially Anuradhapura and Rajarata, and said state policy must prioritise dignity, basic rights, and cultural development, including strengthening cultural institutions to create a more humane and culturally engaged society. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe outlined government measures to address rice shortages, stating that official production data indicated a surplus but market shortages reflected gaps in data, competing uses of paddy byproducts, banking constraints on millers, and flood damage to cultivated land. He said import restrictions on all rice varieties had been lifted until 21 December, with expected imports through private channels, Sathosa and the State Trading Corporation, and that millers had agreed to supply rice to Sathosa at Rs. 220 per kilo. He also announced measures to ease coconut shortages by directing state plantation companies to supply Sathosa, enabling sales at Rs. 130 per coconut and distributing one million coconuts over two weeks. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne said the Opposition would act constructively while scrutinizing whether the President’s Policy Statement can be implemented in practical short-, medium- and long-term terms. He argued that Sri Lanka should continue the IMF programme as agreed, warning that reopening it could risk renewed economic instability, and called for clarity on public service reform and the future of loss-making State-owned enterprises such as SriLankan Airlines. He questioned reliance on expanded subsidies and welfare, urging priority for long-planned irrigation projects such as the North Central Maha Ela and Wayamba Canal to improve agricultural productivity. He also noted omissions from the Policy Statement, including the Government’s position on abolishing the Executive Presidency and broader parliamentary system reforms. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha thanked Colombo District voters and said the National People’s Power’s increased female representation reflected a changed political culture valuing women’s participation. She defended President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Policy Statement as a break from privatization, excessive borrowing and import dependence, arguing instead for reviving state enterprises, protecting national assets, releasing land for productive use by farmers, and building a participatory production economy with fair distribution of benefits. She highlighted poverty in Colombo and the burdens on female-headed households, citing their rise to about 29 percent by 2018, and referred to planned relief such as Rs. 6,000 for children unable to afford educational materials. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara questioned the Government’s decision to import 70,000 metric tons of rice, citing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s earlier pledge not to import rice in order to protect farmers. He also called for a reduction in fuel prices, arguing that lower crude oil prices, a stronger rupee, and profits in the petroleum sector should be passed on to consumers. He specifically challenged the continuation of high fuel taxes, including excise duty and VAT, in light of prior pledges to reduce the cost of living. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara criticized the Government’s handling of protests, saying police action against Education Service graduates was ignored while injuries to police officers were highlighted. He questioned the Government’s policies on attracting foreign investment, restructuring or addressing loss-making SOEs such as SriLankan Airlines, and disclosing the contents of the IMF Staff-Level Agreement. He also raised concern over rising rice prices and alleged hoarding, urging the Government to use legal powers to release available paddy and rice stocks if negotiations with mill owners fail. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa questioned whether the Government’s policy statement is compatible with its IMF commitments, asking how it will both reduce taxes and raise an additional LKR 500 billion in revenue, and what non-tax revenue measures are planned. He sought clarity on tourism capacity, flood compensation for farmers, rice import policy, and whether imports could affect Maha harvest prices, especially in flood-affected areas in the North and East. He urged the Government to act on promises to recover alleged stolen assets, explain plans for public sector digitization and any proposed reduction of 600,000 public servants, and resolve contradictions on issues such as the 13th Amendment, Provincial Councils, and manifesto commitments. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, speaking on the President’s policy statement, said rural communities remain heavily indebted and underserved, requiring an agriculture-centred policy to improve livelihoods. He proposed increasing paddy yields through technology, expanding cultivation of import-dependent crops such as chilli, onions and pulses, and ensuring affordable quality seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals and mechanization for farmers. He also called for livestock development, pasture lands, a national land-use plan, modernized irrigation, agro-based industries and export crop promotion to raise rural incomes and reduce dependence on imports. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe outlined the National People’s Power tourism policy, emphasizing a participatory and sustainable model that includes small operators and protects cultural and natural resources such as Yala and Mirissa. He said tourism should generate short-term foreign exchange, targeting over two million arrivals and USD 3 billion in 2024, rising to five million arrivals and USD 5 billion in 2025, with a longer-term goal of a USD 10 billion tourism economy by 2030. He criticized frequent changes to Sri Lanka’s tourism branding and proposed a unified national branding campaign covering tourism, gems, tea, heritage and natural assets, supported by strategic reforms including amendments to the Tourism Act and coordination across relevant institutions. Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government’s “Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life” policy aims to address debt, poverty, and multidimensional deprivation through education, health, rural development, and community empowerment. He argued that Sri Lanka must reduce rural and estate poverty by raising agricultural productivity, particularly paddy yields, while using temporary rice imports only to stabilize supply after disruptions such as floods. He outlined plans to improve exports, including doubling tea foreign exchange earnings through value addition and productivity, and said the new Ministry would focus on empowerment rather than welfare alone. He also announced proposed increases in allowances for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and patients with chronic illnesses in the next Budget. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath thanked voters in Polonnaruwa and argued that current rice and agricultural problems stem from the long-term decline of agriculture after the 1977 open economy and the weakening of institutions such as the Paddy Marketing Board. He cited unused paddy storage capacity and decayed state-supported mills in Polonnaruwa, saying the Government cannot resolve supply issues within weeks of taking office and that those now criticizing helped create the conditions for private domination of the rice sector. He also addressed a recent protest at the Education Ministry, stating that officials offered dialogue, Cabinet action was being pursued, and Police acted lawfully after violence occurred. He said the Government aims over five years to strengthen national unity, uplift the rural economy, and address these issues. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake thanked the people of Matale and endorsed the policy statement as a practical programme focused on ending rural poverty. He highlighted rural deprivation in health, nutrition, education, housing and access to national wealth, especially in the hill country, and said the Government would pursue food security, quality education, mental health support and new rural economic opportunities. He also proposed involving industrialists, entrepreneurs and businesses to revive rural industries, particularly agro-industry, while stating that issues affecting development officers and public servants would be addressed responsibly. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna SJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna congratulated the new Government and thanked Gampaha voters, while arguing that the JVP had long influenced past governments despite portraying the current mandate as a major break from the past. He criticized the Government’s response to recent floods, saying political direction to officials was inadequate and urging urgent compensation and relief for affected farmers. He also questioned unresolved rice shortages, continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the failure to deliver promised reductions in fuel prices, calling on the Government to implement its election commitments. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri thanked voters in Badulla and said the Opposition would support parliamentary reform and proper procedure while cautioning against omissions or alterations that could undermine public intent in law-making. He urged the Government to turn the President’s Address into practical outcomes, engage professionals through dialogue, and address rising prices and shortages of essentials such as rice and coconuts. He questioned the credibility of relying on imports and an interim budget that shows expenditure without revenue, warning that promises on tax reductions and economic relief must be grounded in realistic plans. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan thanked voters in Vanni District, party supporters, and political colleagues for electing him to the Tenth Parliament, while also recalling the late Most Rev. Rayappu Joseph as an influence. He stated that three points in the President’s policy statement had drawn his attention, beginning with the President’s recognition of issues facing the farming community. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan welcomed the Government’s stated commitment to racial harmony and said constitutional reforms, including any changes related to the 13th Amendment, should address both North-East issues and the long-standing concerns of the Up-Country Tamil community while maintaining a prudent relationship with India. He urged the Government to manage economic reforms, including any IMF-related measures, in a way that protects public confidence and allows stability over its term. He requested compensation for farmers affected by recent disasters in Nuwara Eliya and other districts, proper housing for estate families currently in temporary line rooms, and action to resolve legal obstacles to recruiting 2,500 graduate teacher assistants for Up-Country schools. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →