Hon. Namal Karunaratne
2026-02-05
## Summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne, responding on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, provided a written parliamentary answer regarding approvals for the conversion of paddy lands in the Anuradhapura District. He confirmed that no approvals were granted in 2024, while in 2025, five approvals were issued under the Agrarian Development Act No. 46 of 2000 (as amended in 2011), all for the construction of business premises on a total extent of 33.0 perches. Supporting documentation was submitted as an annexure and placed in the Parliamentary Library.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, I provide the answer.
(a)
(i) For 2024, no approvals were granted in respect of the Anuradhapura District to fill paddy lands. For 2025, under the Agrarian Development Act No. 46 of 2000 as amended by Act No. 46 of 2011, information on lands permitted to be used for purposes other than paddy cultivation (except for limited filling such as for access) is as follows:
- N.W.R. Pushpa Kumara — File 7/11/AN/105 — Extent: (Perches) — Approval: For construction of a business premises
- S. Athula Janaka Kumarasiri — File 7/11/AN/104 — Approval: For construction of a business premises
- M.S. Fathima Basira — File 7/11/AN/106 — Approval: For construction of a business premises
- M.S.M. Nasurdeen — File 7/11/AN/107 — Approval: For construction of a business premises
- M.S. Fathima Taslima — File 7/11/AN/108 — Approval: For construction of a business premises
Total extent: 33.0 perches
(ii) Yes. The relevant documents are submitted as an annexure and have been placed in the Library.
(b) Not applicable.