Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka
2026-03-04
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.
Hon. Deputy Minister, your own answer shows the Government’s mechanism through the PMB is inadequate to purchase farmers’ produce at a fair price. This is your fourth season in office. When you took office, the mill‑purchase price was increased by Rs. 10 per kilogram—from Rs. 120 to Rs. 130—after discussions with mill owners, including the President. But farmers are now being paid only Rs. 75 to Rs. 80. A former frontline Minister of yours said two millers were running this racket and jailing them would solve the issue. Now it seems the Government is captive to these two businessmen.
My question is: beyond relying on the PMB, do you have a concrete plan this season to ensure a fair price to farmers? Please state it clearly.