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Prof. Marambe: 360,000 MT of paddy lost to recent floods

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Prof Marambe

Repercussions on prices to be felt by next March or April

Recent heavy rains have completely destroyed approximately 80,000 hectares of paddy, and the government must not only compensate affected farmers but also encourage them to return to farming, according to Senior Professor Buddhi Marambe from the Department of Crop Science, University of Peradeniya.

Prof. Marambe, during a recent televised interview, highlighted the grave implications for Sri Lanka’s rice supply if immediate action is not taken.

“We estimate an average yield of 4.5 metric tonnes per hectare. With 80,000 hectares of paddy destroyed, this equates to a loss of around 360,000 metric tonnes of paddy. Such a loss could severely impact rice prices by March or April 2025. It is vital to resume farming in these areas as much as possible, in addition to providing compensation to the farmers,” he said.

Prof. Marambe pointed out that one of the key challenges in restarting farming is the shortage of seed paddy. “The private sector does not have sufficient seed paddy, and the government’s stock is limited. However, the Ministry of Agriculture is making efforts to collect seed paddy from farmers who have surplus and redistribute it to those who have lost their fields,” he said.

Sri Lanka consumes approximately 112.3 kilogrammes of rice annually, translating to about 200,000 metric tonnes per month or 2.4 million metric tonnes per year, he explained. Additionally, around 350,000 metric tonnes of paddy is used annually as animal feed, with a further 50,000 metric tonnes allocated for beer production.

“Poultry farmers prefer corn for feed as it enhances the yellow colour of egg yolks. However, Sri Lanka’s corn harvest has also suffered a significant blow, with a 50 percent drop due to fertiliser shortages, though it is slowly recovering,” Prof. Marambe said.

Discussing rice production, Prof. Marambe revealed discrepancies in conversion rates from paddy to rice. “According to the Ministry of Agriculture, 100 kilogrammes of paddy yields 68 kilogrammes of rice, a 68 percent conversion rate. The National Institute of Post-Harvest Management reports a conversion rate of 62 to 65 kilogrammes. Large-scale millers claim a rate of around 62.5 percent, while small and medium-scale millers estimate between 52 and 62 percent,” he said.

Sri Lankan farmers produce approximately 4.6 million metric tonnes of paddy annually, which, based on a 68 percent conversion rate, would result in about 3 million metric tonnes of rice.

“This should mean we have a surplus. However, if we use the lower conversion rate of 52 percent reported by small-scale millers, it suggests we may not produce enough rice for domestic consumption. This discrepancy raises serious concerns, and I understand the Ministry of Agriculture is working to address the issue,” Prof. Marambe said. (RK)



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Secretary to the President meets with heads of the Health sector

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A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held on Tuesday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.

The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.

The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

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Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

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Dr. de Silva

By Saman Indrajith

SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.

“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”

Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.

“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”

Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.

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SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

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From left : Defence Advisor to the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston, Australian HC in Colombo Paul Stephens, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Chief Hydrographer of SLNHS and Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.

The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.

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