Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to respond during the debate on the Heads of Expenditure of the Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. This is a dignified House, funded by public money. Therefore, we expect responsible conduct here.

¶ 02 We saw some Members arrive at the last moment to make a speech after being elsewhere all day, and irresponsibly say things and expect us to respond. I believe we should not waste the time of this House responding to baseless claims.

¶ 03 Hon. Dr. Ilayiyathamby Sreenath, MP for Batticaloa, raised an issue regarding the acquisition of tanks and paddy fields by the Forest Conservation Department in his area. We have already initiated action through the Forest Conservation Department to identify the relevant lands, consult stakeholders, and resolve those issues, aiming to complete this year and to implement similar solutions island-wide.

¶ 04 With regret, I must inform the House that the tusker “Unicorn,” residing in the Minneriya National Park in Polonnaruwa District, has died due to a shooting incident. The incident occurred on the 15th; on the 17th, today, the Department of Wildlife Conservation inspected the site and confirmed firearm injury as the likely cause of death. A full investigation is underway, and those responsible will be brought to justice.

¶ 05 We all know the human-elephant conflict is at a critical peak. Since taking office, we have been extensively intervening. Through the Environment Ministry, involving all relevant agencies, experts, environmentalists, and reviewing global best practices and engaging with international organizations, we are working to protect elephants and mitigate the conflict. We have more to do. This year, we plan a comprehensive programme with substantial budgetary allocations. Under the Environment Ministry’s Vote, a significant provision is made for the Department of Wildlife Conservation. In addition to Rs. 5,730 million under its Vote, a further Rs. 1,405 million is allocated through climate conservation. Beyond electric fences, we will build water retention systems for elephant nutrition, develop grasslands, and undertake other research and interventions.

¶ 06 On plastic management, it was raised that there is no dedicated Act. That is correct; we regulate plastics under regulations made under the National Environmental Act. Single-use plastics are already banned. Recently, a court decision removed obstacles to charging for shopping bags—the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on 28 March 2024. We are also proceeding with amendments to the Act to incorporate Extended Producer Responsibility, with the Central Environmental Authority leading steps I explained this morning.

¶ 07 Regarding the 3,530 Multi-Purpose Development Task Force workers, we have completed necessary steps for their absorption and have submitted for approval of the Public Service Commission. We believe approval will be granted soon, and we are ready to issue appointments promptly thereafter. Thank you.