Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka

Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka criticised the government's tax and import policies, arguing that a Rs. 80 per kilo levy on imported potatoes fails to protect local farmers, citing a collapse in domestic potato production from 117,000 metric tons in 2019 to approximately 17,000 metric tons today, and alleging that an import racket undermines fair pricing for both farmers and consumers. He questioned how the approximately US$37 million collected annually from potato import duties has been used to support local agricultural development. He further raised concerns that paddy farmers in Polonnaruwa are receiving only Rs. 80 per kilo despite government promises of Rs. 150, while rice prices for consumers remain high and millers continue to profit. Additionally, he demanded the immediate payment of disability and elderly allowances, which he stated had not been disbursed for two months.

Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka raised concerns about the recently published Draft National Electricity Policy, questioning the adequacy of the five-day public comment period, which falls short of the standard 14-day minimum. He noted that the policy contains only a limited section on renewable energy and appears to prioritize coal and oil-based electricity generation. The speaker asked what measures the relevant Ministry is taking to promote solar and other renewable energy sources, including the necessary battery storage and technical infrastructure to support approximately 1,600 MW of potential solar generation capacity.

Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the importation of low-grade coal for the Norochcholai power plant, citing test results that reportedly identified a loss of Rs. 2,153 million to the state, against which only Rs. 351 million has been recovered as a penalty. He noted a discrepancy between the tender categories under which coal was procured (RB1 and RB2) and the grade actually supplied, suggesting this constitutes serious fraud. The speaker directed two specific questions to the Minister: what steps are being taken to recover the full financial loss to the country, and what is the current status of any investigations into the matter. A portion of his remarks was expunged on the order of the Chair.

## Summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka submitted a written question to the Minister of Energy seeking detailed information on solar power generation connected to Sri Lanka's National Grid. The question covers five specific areas: the daily volume of solar-generated electricity (in megawatts), the current purchase price per megawatt, whether that price has been revised downward, the revised rate if applicable, and the government's future strategy for promoting solar energy generation. The question follows a standard parliamentary inquiry format, requiring the Minister to either provide the requested information or explain why it cannot be furnished.

Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka challenged the Deputy Minister over the Paddy Marketing Board's (PMB) planned procurement level of 2.11 per cent, asserting this figure is insufficient to adequately support farmers. He further raised concerns about unresolved compensation for partial crop damage following Cyclone "8960" and delays in fertilizer subsidies. He pressed the Deputy Minister with two specific demands: a commitment to compensate farmers for partial crop losses, and an assurance that fertilizer support will be delivered in time for the next cultivation season.

Hon. Rathnayaka challenged the Deputy Minister over the government's failure to ensure fair paddy prices for farmers, noting that despite an increase in the mill-purchase price from Rs. 120 to Rs. 130 per kilogram at the start of the administration, farmers are currently receiving only Rs. 75–80 per kilogram. He referenced a former government minister's allegation that two millers are responsible for price manipulation, arguing this indicates the government has become beholden to those business interests. He directly demanded whether the government has a concrete plan beyond the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) to guarantee fair prices to farmers in the current season.