Number of closed farms in the country exceeds 14000: COPA

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) revealed that more than 14000 farms in Sri Lanka have
been closed and this has been identified according to the data received from the provinces. The
officials who testified before the Committee pointed out that most of these farms are small-scale farms and most of these farms have been closed due to animal theft.

COPA pointed out that it is not acceptable to say that farms are closing down only because of the
frustration of small-scale farmers due to animal theft. Officials pointed out that the destruction of
pastures needed for cattle and land-related problems have also caused the closure of several farms, according to a statement issued by the Parliament Oversight Committee. 

Thus, the COPA pointed out that the Department of Animal Production and Health should maintain accurate and clear data. Moreover, the Committee emphasized the importance of actively maintaining the data system by updating the existing data.

This was discussed at the COPA meeting held recently (11) under the Chairmanship of Hon. Lasantha
Alagiyawanna, to consider the progress of the recommendations given to the Department of Animal
Production and Health on July 06, 2023 by the Committee on Public Accounts.

Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister in charge of Agriculture, was also involved in this at the
invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed at length the need for local milk in this
country and the Minister thus pointed out that the amount of milk received by the Milco company
on a daily basis has greatly decreased.

The Committee drew attention regarding the death of 104 goats imported from Australia
in Embuldanda and Thelahera goat breeding centers. As this was discussed at the last Committee
meeting, it was necessary to inquire about the progress of releasing these goats into the field. Thus,
the officials pointed out that within a month these remaining animals are ready to be released into
the field. The Committee Chair also recommended that a report be given to the Committee in this
regard.