2026-02-18 / debate: Special Commodity Levy Act Order, Customs Ordinance Resolution, Motor Traffic Act Regulations 2026-02-18
## Summary
Hon. Hizbullah called on the Government to prioritise practical economic recovery measures, particularly for agriculture and fisheries sectors devastated by the recent "Ditva" cyclone and floods. He highlighted that affected fishermen in the North, East, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Ampara districts have received no meaningful relief — including nets, boats, fertilizer, seed paddy, or fuel subsidies — while vegetable farmers in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Matale have similarly been overlooked. Citing high wholesale vegetable prices and the agricultural competitiveness of neighbouring countries such as India, he urged the Deputy Minister of Finance to develop concrete programs to reduce electricity costs for agriculture and agro-processing and to create a secure, investor-friendly environment to attract foreign investment. He concluded by urging a shift away from partisan bickering toward collaborative, forward-looking national development initiatives.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Hon. Presiding Member, we speak today about agriculture and economic advancement. We must not remain insular; we need foreign investors and investments to rebuild our economy. Constant Government–Opposition bickering will not solve problems.
The recent “Ditva” cyclone and floods severely affected the country—especially farmlands and fishermen. Affected fishermen have not received relief—no nets, no small boats—and no program to revive their livelihoods. In the North and East, and in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, paddy production has been badly impacted; Ampara, represented by Hon. Udaya Undumalai (sitting near me), is severely affected. Farmers need fertilizer, seed paddy and fuel—at least on a subsidized basis—to restart. Vegetables and floriculture in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Matale have also been hit; no effective relief has reached them yet.
Hon. Deputy Minister of Finance, you carry an important responsibility. Please focus on practical national programs to revive these sectors. Today, wholesale prices are high—carrots around Rs. 300/kg, beans around Rs. 450/kg, chillies around Rs. 600/kg—while neighbouring countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have advanced in agriculture. India also supports exporters and agro-industries with subsidized power, enabling growth. We must reduce electricity costs for agriculture and agro-processing here; otherwise investors will avoid the sector.
Many foreign investors are ready to come to Sri Lanka; provide them with a secure, facilitative environment. The Finance Ministry should draw up concrete plans to attract them and support agriculture. We stand ready to help bring investors. Let us move from speeches to practical, forward-looking programs that genuinely develop the country. We will fully cooperate. Thank you.