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- 6 January 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha raised concerns about declining wildlife in the Sinharaja environment, noting reported reductions in elephants and threats to endemic animals such as gaur and leopards from poaching. He asked whether a programme would be proposed to protect these animals. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary B. Ariyawansha asked the Minister to address poor road infrastructure around the Sinharaja World Heritage Site, noting its importance for domestic and foreign tourism through routes in Ratnapura, Matara and Galle Districts. He highlighted the deteriorated condition of the Deniyaya–Sooriyakanda road and approach roads between Rakwana, Pothupitiya and Kalawana, and requested their development. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Hon. Dammika Patabendi provided a ministerial answer on the status and conservation of the Sinharaja Forest, stating that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 December 1988 and now covers 36,474.93 hectares. He outlined its legal protections under the National Heritage Wilderness Areas Act, its earlier designation as a biosphere reserve, the 2019 boundary expansion, and conservation planning under ESCAMP, including ecotourism regulation and 2025 allocations for the Kudawa and Pitadeniya entrances. He also stated that lands within and around the Sinharaja boundary, including Land Reforms Commission and private forested lands, are being vested with the Forest Department, with future action planned to protect buffer forests and complete boundary demarcation. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha asked the Minister of Environment to provide details on the Sinharaja Forest, including the date it was declared a World Heritage Site and the extent of land it covers. He also requested information on current and future measures to conserve both the internal and external ecosystems of the forest, citing its importance to Sri Lanka’s environmental sustainability. Oral Question: Sinharaja Forest World Heritage Site Protection (Q. relating to B. Ariyawansha and points of order) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Issues involving the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Department of Forest Conservation can be addressed through the relevant committee, though no exact timeframe can be given. The Member stated there is no objection to issuing deeds and other facilities to people where needed, provided any changes are made with the concurrence of the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Pallekelle was identified as a sanctuary containing both State and private lands, with the issue arising from plots held on permits rather than formal title deeds. The Minister stated that the Department of Wildlife Conservation has no objection to granting lawful ownership to eligible permit holders and will not obstruct the process, but any changes to private lands within the sanctuary require the Department’s concurrence. He added that a committee has met and the Department is ready to assist expeditiously. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath raised the issue of about 3,500 families in 25 villages in the Polpithigama Divisional Secretariat area who have lived for 60 to 70 years on lands classified under wildlife and forest conservation zones while cultivating coconut. She noted that a long-running local campaign sought to release these lands to residents while strengthening the Kahalla-Pallekele Reserve, and that a Ministry-level special committee, including the Environment Ministry Secretary and the heads of the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Departments, has been appointed and has inspected the area. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment provided details on protected areas in the Polpithigama DS Division, including the extent of the Kahalla–Pallekele Sanctuary and forest reserves, and noted that surveys of some residential lands within the sanctuary have been carried out and will continue. He said demarcation of the Hakwatunawa Reservoir reserve began in 2017, with survey fees paid and most of the remaining boundary provisionally marked. He also stated that public facilities exist within the gazetted area, no Forest Conservation regional office operates at Herathgama for instituting cases, and an inter-agency committee is considering land issues in the Kahalla–Pallekele Sanctuary. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Geetha Herath asked the Minister of Environment for details on lands in the Polpithigama Divisional Secretary’s Division gazetted under Notification No. 566/5 of 11 July 1989, including the extents under the Wildlife Conservation and Forest Conservation Departments and whether occupied, residential, or government-grant lands were included. She sought information on surveys and demarcation, including of the Hakwatunawa Reservoir reserve, and asked whether public infrastructure and institutions exist within the gazetted area. She also requested details on legal action by the Forest Conservation Office under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act and whether occupied lands would be transferred to current possessors. Oral Question: Wildlife and Forest Conservation Lands in Polpithigama DS Division (Q. relating to Mrs. Geetha Herath) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that two separate programme streams are operating independently, one under the Ministry of Agriculture and another through the Department of National Botanic Gardens, with insufficient coordination between them. He said he could not speak in detail on Agriculture’s procedures but would review shortcomings within his remit and coordinate where necessary. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary The Department of National Botanic Gardens has been reviewing staffing shortages and possible responses, but no final solution was presented. The Member also stated that concerns about eligibility for assistance would be examined and answered, and relevant material was placed in the Library. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment responded to a question on cut flower imports, stating that import data are sourced from Customs and the Plant Quarantine Division, while the Department of National Botanic Gardens issues recommendations for cut flower imports. He said annual expenditure on imported flowers is approximately Rs. 746 million, and identified several imported varieties that can be grown locally, including rose, carnation, gerbera, hydrangea, anthurium, orchids and lilies. He outlined ongoing support to small and medium growers through the “Suwahas Mal” project and tabled a strategic plan proposing technical and financial assistance, grower cooperatives, a national flower auction, and model floriculture parks in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla to develop domestic cut-flower production. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB AI summary The Hon. Ambika Samivel asked the Minister of Environment to provide details on cut flowers and plants imported into Sri Lanka, including the types, annual quantities by type, and annual import costs. She also sought clarification on whether these imported varieties could be cultivated locally and, if so, what programme has been prepared to support such cultivation; if not, she requested the reasons. Oral Question: Import of Cut Flowers and Plants - Details (Q.1463/2025) Read →
- 6 January 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked about compensation for fishermen in the Pottuvil DS Division whose boats and engines were lost or damaged during the mini-cyclone of 26 November 2024, with reported losses of Rs. 900,000 to Rs. 2,000,000 each. He noted that despite visits by the Deputy Minister and officials, no compensation had been paid, and requested confirmation on compensation and loan facilities to help the affected fishermen resume their livelihoods. Oral Question: Fishermen in Pottuvil DS Division - Provision of Facilities (Q.1397/2025) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah must be grounded in scientific data, expert analysis, and national consensus rather than ad hoc relief activity or casual public discussion. He cited estimates of extreme rainfall and potential energy to illustrate the scale of the disaster and called for scientific planning, regional cooperation, and responsible leadership to address future severe weather events. He also noted, for the record, the close approach of the interstellar object Comet 3I/ATLAS being observed internationally. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran described severe cyclone and flood damage in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya, citing affected families, damaged homes, roads, tanks, boats, livestock and agricultural land, and said Mullaitivu remains highly vulnerable and underdeveloped despite repeated disasters. He called for 2026 allocations to fund permanent tank repairs, relocation of people from unsafe areas, rehabilitation of agricultural roads, flood and salinity-control bunds, urban drainage, and solutions for villages cut off by floods. He also demanded demarcation and clearing of riverbeds and drains, vesting of minor and abandoned tanks with relevant departments for maintenance, and questioned why tanks and riverbeds remain under the Forest Department and the Army. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Government to review and restore the disaster insurance mechanism introduced through the National Insurance Trust Fund when he was Finance Minister, saying it had previously produced significant payouts after the 2016 floods and could have provided resilience following Cyclone Ditwah. He requested permission to table related letters from the NITF and Allianz SE Reinsurance Branch, and argued that Sri Lanka should first conduct its own national damage estimates before seeking validation from bodies such as the UN or World Bank. He also called for disaster loss assessments to be made in US dollars, citing exchange-rate depreciation, and emphasized fiscal reconstruction, restoration of lost capital, macroeconomic stability, and liquidity recovery. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha rejected claims that the Mahaweli project caused recent disaster impacts, arguing that its reservoirs provide power generation, water management and flood control, while acknowledging that landslides and some impacts required better evacuation and water management. He called for urgent attention to hospital equipment and ICU capacity, compensation delays for displaced families, and the removal of permit-related obstacles to clearing roads, canals, wells and fields. He urged ministers to delegate authority to Divisional Secretaries, Pradeshiya Sabha Chairmen and village-level officials, allow farmers to remove sand and repair access using their own resources, and provide legal protection for officials. He also questioned whether the Disaster Management Committee met after receiving advance warning and said the Disaster Management Centre should be dissolved if it failed to act. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary Minister Anil Jayantha outlined a supplementary estimate allocating Rs. 500 billion in 2026 for disaster relief and reconstruction, using emergency provisions under Section 16 of the State Finance Management Act to exceed the normal primary expenditure cap with parliamentary approval. He said 2025 relief needs were met through contingency funds and virements without additional borrowing or taxes, and that the 2026 allocation would similarly be funded from improved fiscal performance and cash buffers. He described immediate relief measures and longer-term reconstruction plans, said future disaster risk-transfer mechanisms would be redesigned after past insurance losses, and cited revenue overperformance, growth figures, debt-management progress, and governance arrangements for the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →
- 19 December 2025 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka expressed sympathy for those affected by the “BOO” cyclone and thanked District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, and Grama Niladharis for their response, while stating that Opposition MPs also carried out relief work without party bias. He criticized government ministers for alleged lack of awareness of affected areas and rejected claims that the Opposition distributed aid on political grounds. He said weather and reservoir warnings issued after meetings of the Meteorology Department, Disaster Management Centre, and Water Panel were not acted upon, and claimed that timely action could have prevented much of the reservoir-related damage in the Mahaweli region. He called for a formal investigation, including at ministerial level and through a special Parliamentary committee, into decisions made after 24 December. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 240 – Programme 02 – Cyclone Disaster Relief (Rs. 500 Billion) Read →