Topic
Environment
980 speeches · 242 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, M.P. JJB | 78 |
| 2 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 48 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 41 |
| 4 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 28 |
| 5 | Hon. Anton Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 28 |
| 6 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 22 |
| 7 | Hon. Hector Appuhamy, M.P. SJB | 19 |
| 8 | Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, M.P. ITAK | 15 |
| 9 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 14 |
| 10 | Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, M.P. JJB | 13 |
Speeches
980 on this topic- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns about blast and dynamite fishing in the North, alleging inaction by the Fisheries Department and Navy and requesting ministerial attention and corrective measures. Addressing the Monetary Law Act Rules and the Essential Public Services Act Resolution, he said tighter requirements on exporters to repatriate and convert foreign exchange may support reserves and the rupee but could undermine exporter confidence if not temporary. He also criticized domestic stock management, citing large quantities of paddy deteriorating in Northern Province warehouses while scarce foreign exchange is spent on rice imports, and warned that uncleared stocks could affect the next harvest. Debate: Central Bank Rules on Export Proceeds Repatriation and Essential Public Services Resolution Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that land issues in the Kahalla-Pallekelle area have been addressed and specific lands along elephant movement paths have been identified for release and protection as corridors. He outlined measures to reduce human-elephant conflict, including creating fodder belts, rehabilitating tanks and water sources, maintaining grasslands, removing invasive species, and keeping corridors open. He also noted that about 443 km of electric fencing has been completed and that further deployment of Civil Security personnel and consideration of field proposals will continue. Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon raised a supplementary question on crop-raiding elephants in Galgamuwa, Ehetuwewa, Ambanpola, Nikaweratiya and parts of Yapahuwa, noting that elephants living in small forest patches outside major forests damage crops, houses and property. He asked whether, beyond opening wildlife offices and providing vehicles, the Government has any new scientific plans to manage elephants in non-forest areas. Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that the Ministry of Environment and Department of Wildlife Conservation have completed or initiated recruitments to improve wildlife administration and electric fence maintenance. He said examinations have been held for 149 Wildlife Range Assistants and 381 Wildlife Guards, and that new recruits, electric fence assistants, and 5,000 Civil Security personnel will be organized under a specific system to address human-elephant conflict and fence maintenance shortcomings. He also noted procurement of vehicles and equipment, including 100 cabs, 181 bicycles and hand tractors, to address physical resource gaps. Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment reported that Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population was estimated at 7,451 in the 2024 Department of Wildlife Conservation survey, showing an increase from 5,879 in 2011 and 1,967 in 1993. He stated that human-elephant conflict is reported in 17 districts, with Kurunegala recording 25 elephant deaths and 12 human fatalities in 2025. He also confirmed that extensive encroachment in the lowland areas of the Kahalla-Pallekelle Sanctuary has left mainly the hill country area as effective reserve habitat, contributing to continuing conflict around nearby settlements and cultivations. Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) Read →
- 10 June 2026 Hon. Chandana Thennakoon JJB AI summary Hon. Chandana Thennakoon raised Question No. 3 concerning the human-elephant conflict in the Kurunegala District. The matter sought information and action regarding the impact of elephant incursions on local communities and measures being taken to mitigate the conflict. Procedural: Points of Order and Oral Question - Human-Elephant Conflict, Kurunegala District (Q.4) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake praised the Prime Minister’s response and linked current reforms to the UNP’s historical role in independence, economic liberalization, and recovery from the declared bankruptcy under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He noted his tenure as Finance Minister and the addition of 2,800 MW of renewable energy, while stating that postponing elections after the bankruptcy declaration was wrong. He argued that the Government promised “system change” but is instead practising “system maintenance,” and said his side would submit its points collectively. Procedural: Points of Order and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Mannar wind power plant has a capacity of 50 MW and that construction is in its final phase. He said the Government expects to connect the plant to the national grid by the end of 2026. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana questioned the Prime Minister on electricity tariff relief, arguing that delays in implementing past generation plans and storage systems had contributed to solar power curtailment and financial losses. He cited estimated curtailed solar generation of 6.5 GWh in March and 24 GWh in April, and asked when businesses and households could expect reduced electricity bills under the Government’s current measures. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister, responding to questions from Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, outlined plans to reach 70 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2030, including planned additions of 1,274 MW of wind and 2,071 MW of solar capacity, expansion of transmission and distribution, and multiple battery energy storage projects. She said procurement or preparatory work is underway for several BESS projects, including 160 MW/640 MWh already procured, 250 MW/1000 MWh approved by Cabinet, projects supported by the ADB, a Korean grant-funded Hambantota pilot, and private sector-funded storage linked to solar plants. She stated that these measures are intended to improve renewable energy absorption, grid stability and reliability, reduce emergency power generation, and potentially lower electricity tariffs through proper procurement and storage agreements. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 10 June 2026 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana asked the Prime Minister about the Government’s plans to expand renewable energy generation, particularly solar and wind, to reduce electricity generation costs. He sought details on targets, strategy, progress and funding for Battery Energy Storage Systems intended to support grid integration of renewable power, and asked how the technology would improve reliability, quality and affordability of electricity for consumers and industry. Oral Question: Renewable Energy and Electricity Generation (Q.1) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the emergency framework under the Public Security Ordinance, arguing that it is needed to coordinate relief and reconstruction after the “Ditva” cyclone, given losses affecting housing, agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods. He rejected Opposition criticism over delayed relief and incidents in the North, stating that the Government is delivering development, assisting fishers, and responding to cyclone-related operational challenges despite wider pressures such as global fuel and gas price increases. He also said the Government is taking legal action against corruption, drug trafficking, and “looters,” urged responsible use of social media, and highlighted Budget 2026’s Rs. 25 billion “Praja Shakthi” allocation to every Grama Niladhari division for local development. Debate on Public Security Ordinance: Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne said the Government remains committed to pursuing justice for the Easter Sunday attacks and other serious crimes through independent investigative and judicial institutions, rejecting attempts to create public agitation over the investigations. She then addressed Orders under several tax-related laws, highlighting the Stamp Duty exemption on receipts for Government payments to people affected by natural disasters. Referring to damage caused by Cyclone “Ditti,” she said the Government had provided about Rs. 500 billion in relief and gave progress figures for grants, rent support, schoolbook assistance, and death compensation, noting some delays due to documentation and practical issues. Debate on Orders and Regulations (Items 1-5) Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman urged the Government to respond to grievances in Wevenden following the Ditwah cyclone, stating that residents were protesting over unanswered letters and needed practical solutions rather than political intervention. He called for implementation of Cabinet-approved land rights for hill-country people and asked that plantation wage issues be addressed through the Wages Board so companies could not avoid compliance. He also requested the President’s intervention to resolve the Wevenden concerns. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan provided district-wise data showing 10,310 estate families affected by Cyclone “Ditwah,” with 431 estate houses or line rooms completely damaged and 2,152 partially damaged. He stated that the Cabinet decided on 06.04.2026 to extend equal compensation to line-room residents without land or house ownership, including Rs. 5 million and 10 perches of Government land for completely destroyed houses, and Rs. 0.5–2.5 million for partial damage as assessed through the relevant authorities. He added that houses deemed beyond repair by the Disaster Management Committee would also qualify for full reconstruction support, with current plans to rebuild 431 houses and repair 2,152, subject to updated data. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, answering on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, said aquatic plants have spread in the Karavahu River and five small tanks and “onion” ponds, obstructing water flow, causing siltation, and reducing storage capacity. He stated that estimates are being prepared and that the Department of Irrigation plans to remove aquatic plants from maintained tanks within the year, subject to requested provisions. In response to a supplementary question, he said machinery issues are being addressed for silt and weed removal, and noted allocations for Gal Oya Project maintenance and rehabilitation, including Rs. 900 million last year and Rs. 500 million this year, with further allocations planned. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 9 June 2026 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation about the condition of reservoirs in Karativu, Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai in the Ampara District, citing nutrient contamination, aquatic weed invasion, siltation, reduced depth and loss of water retention capacity contributing to flooding. He requested information on whether assessments of environmental degradation and siltation have been conducted, whether a coordinated programme exists to remove silt and invasive weeds and restore the aquatic ecosystems, and when such work would begin. Oral Questions 1-10 Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on the Mahaweli Scheme’s hydropower capacity, generation since 2020, commissioning dates, approving Presidents, reservoir sedimentation levels, and dam safety funding over the past five years. He also sought information on measures to balance irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation under changing rainfall patterns, and whether climate-resilience assessments have been conducted for irrigation reliability and flood management. Question No. 01 - 2003/2026 and Question No. 2004/2026 - Hydropower Capacity Read →
- 22 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised concerns about the continued use of wooden electricity poles in rural and hill areas, noting their vulnerability during disasters and the resulting risks to power lines, transformers and public safety. He asked what plans are in place to ensure safer, higher-standard systems in future electrification and upgrade programmes. Oral Question: Low-capacity electricity cable systems - Expansion (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Dinesh Hemantha defended the Government’s economic approach during debate on regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, arguing that it has chosen difficult policy decisions aimed at long-term stability rather than short-term measures. He said the Government maintained the 2026 Budget despite calls to revise it after the “Divva” cyclone, while separately implementing relief payments for cleaning, household goods, school books, rent, and housing. He stated that house construction for eligible disaster-affected families has begun across affected Divisional Secretariat areas, including unresolved cases from earlier disasters, and noted that land identification is underway in all 11 DS divisions of Matale, including lands requiring Forest Conservation Department approval. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →