2026-02-18 / debate: Special Commodity Levy Act Order, Customs Ordinance Resolution, Motor Traffic Act Regulations 2026-02-18
Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam spoke during a debate on Special Commodity Levy regulations covering imported potatoes, onions, and 62 other food items. He acknowledged that import levies could support domestic production and generate revenue, but argued that taxes alone are insufficient to achieve self-sufficiency, calling for complementary government support measures such as fertilizer subsidies. He raised concerns that paddy procurement payments and crop insurance from the last Maha season remain outstanding for Northern Province farmers, and that wildlife damage compensation is unresolved. He urged the President to direct India's pledged US$63.5 million grant toward developing the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port, arguing this would reduce logistics costs for goods transported from Colombo to the North and contribute to the region's economic development.
Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Today we debate three regulations under the Special Commodity Levy on, among others, imported potatoes and onions, and a list of 62 food items.
The Northern Province historically contributed significantly to onion and potato cultivation, but the sector has been depressed. Import levies can both curb imports and raise revenue, and may help domestic production, but taxes alone will not secure self-sufficiency.
To build a production economy, Government must assist producers. Fertilizer subsidies are vital. Although about 85 percent of the Northern harvest is complete, paddy procurement from the last Maha season has still not reached farmers. Despite set purchase prices, buying is not taking place. Crop insurance too remains unpaid, and wildlife damage is unresolved.
Transport costs are added to import prices and further amplified by internal logistics. Goods imported from India rise in price as they move from Colombo to the North. Therefore, we urge utilizing India’s pledged US$63.5 million to develop the Kankesanthurai Port in the North, reducing logistics costs. I request H.E. the President to intervene to use this grant for KKS Port development, which will directly aid Northern economic upliftment. Thank you.