Sitting of Friday, 8 May 2026

Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

1. 1 Opening Opening: Ceremonial Reception of H.E. To Lam, President of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam 7 speeches ▸
2. 2 Procedural Procedural: Announcements and Tabling of Reports (Constitutional Council, Committee on Public Finance) 6 speeches ▸
3. 3 Procedural Procedural: Motion to Exempt Business Nos. 1-7 from S.141 1 speeches ▸
4. 4 Debate Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons 10 speeches ▸
5. 5 Debate Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology 20 speeches ▸
6. 6 Debate Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors 24 speeches ▸
7. 7 Debate Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees 19 speeches ▸
8. 8 Debate Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources 8 speeches ▾
   • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
     Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ravindra Bandara

     AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara moved a resolution calling for pine plantations, particularly in the hill country and Uva Province, to be removed and replaced with productive indigenous cultivations due to their impact on water sources and ecosystems. He argued that pine and eucalyptus plantations disrupt biodiversity, soil health, and hydrological cycles, contributing to erosion, reduced springs, and fire risk, while earlier promised economic benefits had not materialized. He proposed a phased, scientific removal process over five to six years, using strip removal, soil rehabilitation, community participation, and gradual restoration of native forest.

     EnvironmentAgriculture Full speech →
   • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
     Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ravindra Bandara

     AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara requested three minutes from his next speaking slot to continue his remarks. He emphasized the need for phased strip removal, soil recovery, and community-led restoration to restore hydrology and biodiversity.

     Environment Full speech →
   • The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB

     AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara seconded the motion and argued that pine and eucalyptus plantations have caused significant ecological damage in Sri Lanka, particularly in the central highlands, while contributing little to national timber demand. He stated that these invasive plantings destroy habitats, affect water sources and downstream agriculture, and may destabilize slopes after felling. He called for their systematic removal.

     EnvironmentInfrastructureAgriculture Full speech →
   • The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC

     AI summary M.A.M. Thahir supported the motion, arguing that tree-planting policies should prioritise species suited to Sri Lanka’s varied climate and local needs. He said fast-growing trees planted in school “green revolution” programmes in Ampara had become hazardous, damaging buildings, while principals lacked funds and authority to remove them and State Timber Corporation procedures were slow and costly. He proposed arrangements to remove dangerous trees and encouraged planting economically useful or native species, including along riverbanks, to support local production and national benefit.

     AgricultureEnvironmentInfrastructure Full speech →
   • The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB

     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.

     AgricultureEnvironment Full speech →
   • The Hon. Ravindra Bandara

     AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara supported the motion on addressing problematic tree species, urging rigorous scientific research into their impacts on water resources in the central highlands, Uva and Sabaragamuwa. He called for scientific, community-based removal and restoration with indigenous biodiversity, warning against replacing such areas with eucalyptus or pine and against the use of burning. Citing pine plantations around Haldummulla and reduced dry-season flows at Bambarakanda and other waterfalls, he said restoration was necessary for environmental protection and future generations.

     AgricultureEnvironmentInfrastructure Full speech →
9. 9 Debate Debate: Private Members' Motion P.60/2025 - Preventing Suicide Among Young Children 9 speeches ▸
10. 10 Adjournment Adjournment: Parliament Adjourns 1 speeches ▸