Hon. Anton Jayakody, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Puttalam

Deputy Minister of Environment

Profession: Geologist

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 40 #114 of 225·#58 in party

Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

40 speeches

8 May 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported Hon. Ravindra Bandara’s motion, noting that Sri Lanka’s pine plantations began in 1967 following earlier research and policy influences, reaching about 16,000 hectares by 1999 and providing timber, pulp and some foreign exchange savings. He said pine has since caused environmental concerns, including high water uptake, reduced rainfall percolation from needle litter, lowered groundwater and loss of biodiversity through monoculture. He stated that pine should be phased out, with current removal of 200–300 hectares annually reviewed by a committee including the NBRI, CEA, Forest Department and Water Resources Board to guide removal and replacement with suitable native broadleaf species. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources AgricultureEnvironment Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody stated that a separate process exists for caring for aged and sick animals, supported by recurrent expenditure on medicines and required facilities. He indicated that any identified shortcomings in this system would be addressed. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala Agriculture Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody said special attention would be given to the waste accumulation in the rock pit water settling tank and that disposal is now being handled properly in coordination with Clean Sri Lanka through a bio-based development approach. He outlined the five main functions of the Department of National Zoological Gardens and, in response to a question on breeding and conservation, stated that a crocodilian breeding programme using artificial insemination is underway, despite an unsuccessful first attempt, with similar initiatives planned for other animals. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala EnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody, answering for the Minister of Environment, stated that waste at the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens is managed through segregation, recycling, composting, incineration of meat waste, and disposal to the Karadiyana landfill, with a Black Soldier Fly larvae composting pilot project planned. He outlined visitor dining facilities, said no new structures are currently required beyond routine repairs and renovations, and provided recent monthly income and recurrent expenditure figures for 2025 and early 2026. He also detailed 2026 development plans under the Department of National Zoological Gardens, including underground cabling, road and staff quarters renovations, CCTV installation, animal enclosure and visitor facility improvements, aquarium and quarantine centre design work, and other infrastructure upgrades under a Rs. 218 million allocation. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala Environment Read →
6 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, stating that they were being used solely to coordinate relief and recovery after Cyclone “Ditwah,” not for political suppression. He described widespread damage across 22 districts, including heavy rainfall, flooding, more than 1,250 landslide sites, around 650 deaths, 173 missing persons, and extensive housing destruction. He said the Emergency enabled rapid inter-agency action through the Essential Services Commissioner General, including mobilizing technical personnel for NBRO assessments, and urged the Opposition to support the extension. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Public FinanceSecurity & DefenceEnvironment Read →
18 December 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody attributed the recent floods and landslides to intensified rainfall linked to climate change, noting that infrastructure and slope-stability designs based on lower historic rainfall levels are no longer adequate for 400–600 mm short-duration events. He cited major landslide fatalities in past years and described severe flooding in river basins including Ma Oya, Deduru Oya and Malwathu Oya, while rejecting claims that Kotmale Reservoir spill gates were mismanaged and stating that decisions were made technically by engineers. He said around 95,000 families in Puttalam District were affected, outlined rescue and relief coordination involving district officials, Police, Navy, Army and helicopters, and thanked state agencies, public servants, businesses and citizens for their assistance. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Security & DefenceEnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
24 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister responded to concerns about lands in Verugal DS Division within the Seruwila–Allai Sanctuary, noting that the sanctuary was gazetted in 1970 and that private titleholders retain their rights despite sanctuary status. He acknowledged difficulties involving state lands and said similar issues affect the North, East, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura due to sanctuary and reserve designations. He stated that a Cabinet-approved committee under Sustainable Forest Management is reviewing affected lands, boundary demarcation, long-standing occupation and lawful entitlement, with a view to recommending de-gazetting or release where appropriate. He assured that farmers, residents, public institutions, places of worship and schools with long-standing use or lawful rights in Trincomalee, including Seruwila–Allai, would not be unjustly affected. Adjournment Motion: Land Issues in Verugal DS Division, Trincomalee EnvironmentLand & Housing Read →
20 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody outlined Sri Lanka’s energy resource potential, including hydropower, wind, solar, storage materials, and possible offshore gas, while arguing that past governments failed to anticipate global energy and climate trends and mismanaged power planning. He said Budget 2026 would initiate hydrogen-related work and prioritize grid-scale battery storage, including proposed private participation for about 160 MW/640 MWh, to manage evening peak demand and support renewable integration. He also noted that gas indications in the Cauvery Basin require transparent assessment of economic viability. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate InfrastructureEnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
20 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody requested one month to provide an answer to the question raised. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question No. 1 (Q.680/2025): Environment - Deputy Minister Response and Adjournment Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 October 2025 AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody supported Hon. Hector Appuhamy’s motion on climate change, outlining its links to greenhouse gas emissions, hydrological disruption, reduced hydropower, agricultural losses, deforestation, human-elephant conflict, and pressures on fisheries and tourism. He stated that Sri Lanka is pursuing Paris-aligned goals including 32% forest cover, 70% renewable energy, cleaner production, and earlier net-zero ambitions, with plans to reduce 116 million metric tons of CO2 from 2026 to 2035. He highlighted measures such as declaring 30 new reserves, conserving aquifers and montane forests, removing invasive species, finalizing the Climate Prosperity Plan, and seeking increased grant funding. On carbon markets and a proposed climate finance bank, he said national policy must be carefully designed and that, for now, climate finance could be channelled through the Treasury unless sufficient grant funding supports a dedicated institution. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Public FinanceAgricultureEnvironment Read →
21 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that religious activities at Pallakandal Church are not being obstructed, but noted that the church and access road lie within Wilpattu National Park under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. He said access is governed by the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, either by permit or traditional usage rights, and that a request for monthly services is awaiting adequate proof of tradition and advice from the Attorney General. He added that Wildlife officers act only to enforce the law against violations or unauthorized constructions within the park, not to impede worship. Oral Question 12: Religious Activities in Wildlife Conservation Areas (Answer Tabled) Religion & CultureEnvironment Read →
23 September 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported the Second Reading of the National Building Research Institute Bill, which gives statutory status to the existing National Building Research Organization after 41 years and renames it as an institute. He said the institution’s work in landslide risk management, geotechnical assessment, materials testing, environmental monitoring and structural safety needs legal backing, particularly because current reports and circular-based requirements have limited enforceability. He cited past landslide disasters, rainfall-related slope instability, expansive soil problems, and the institute’s monitoring network and risk mitigation projects as reasons for establishing a formal legal framework for safer and more sustainable construction. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill InfrastructureEnvironmentPublic Finance Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary A detailed response to the matter raised was promised within two weeks. Question by Private Notice: Land Issues in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya (Q. Private Notice 1) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody requested two weeks to provide a detailed reply. Question by Private Notice: Land Issues in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya (Q. Private Notice 1) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody requested a two-week extension to provide an answer. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Environmental Matter (Q.4) - Stand down Parliamentary Procedure Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Anton Jayakody stated that large volumes of waste wash ashore between Colombo and Negombo, including debris from ships and other countries, and said continuous beach-cleaning is being carried out under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He noted that compensation already paid to fishers affected by the X-Press Pearl disaster was insufficient, while two ongoing cases seek further compensation to be distributed depending on the outcomes and available funds. He also said pollution from a recent accident in India has affected the coast from Negombo to Jaffna, and that the Coast Conservation Department and MEPA are conducting cleanup operations. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) EnvironmentJustice & Human Rights Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody stated that clean beaches are central to the Government’s sustainable tourism policy and to improving coastal livelihoods. He said the removal of unauthorized coastal structures is carried out only after extended notice, consultation, and court-based procedures, with efforts to provide alternative livelihood options. He added that the Coast Conservation Department is undertaking a 6–7 month process to improve the coastline for tourism development. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) EnvironmentInfrastructure Read →
24 July 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Environment, stated that artificial sand nourishment for the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia coastal area began on 16 April 2020 to address intensified erosion following the 2017 opening of the Kelani River mouth sand bar. He said the method was selected due to severe erosion risks identified in the 2018 Coastal Zone Management Plan and the area’s dense population, fisheries, and tourism activities. The project cost Rs. 180 million and has been completed. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) EnvironmentInfrastructure Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary Anton Jayakody said the Pekkulama tank and bund, damaged by storms and floods around 1978, remain unrepaired despite a later foundation stone, and noted that he and the Minister had visited the site and planned discussions with the Wildlife Department. He proposed a collective decision on remedial action and called for a field visit to examine legal issues concerning state and other lands around Bakamuna town, with the aim of using existing locations where possible and resolving land matters pragmatically. Oral Question: Wild Elephant Conservation and Red Data Book InfrastructureLand & HousingEnvironment Read →
19 June 2025 AI summary Anton Jayakody said the Government has introduced support from 1 January 2025 for the education of children when a household head dies in an elephant attack, with compensation administered through Divisional and District Secretariats. He said the Government would consider issuing the Red Data Book annually and outlined ongoing human-elephant conflict mitigation measures, including improving forest forage and water sources, maintaining habitats, expanding electric fencing, and regularizing over 3,500 workers to maintain fences. Oral Question: Wild Elephant Conservation and Red Data Book Public FinanceEnvironmentAgriculture Read →