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- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Irrigation Department and Mahaweli Authority’s flood management during the November 2025 disaster, citing reservoir monitoring systems, hydrological gauges, real-time data updates and staff deployment during record rainfall. He rejected opposition criticism and argued that agencies had acted methodically to minimize downstream damage, while noting recurring flood risks in areas such as Colombo and Ampara. He said the Government is preparing long-term flood mitigation plans and that the Lands Ministry will identify safe state lands, including LRC and Mahaweli lands, for resettling people from high-risk areas in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Badulla. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan highlighted post-flood damage in several areas, calling for proper rehabilitation of the Anaikattiyaveli–Samulaiyadi road, reconstruction of the collapsed Magilavettuvan bridge, and repairs and protection for Chettipalayam District Hospital, which was flooded and faces nearby elephant movement. He raised concerns about delays and alleged unfairness in grassroots relief assessments, including denial of the Rs. 25,000 relief to some affected households, and urged accurate site-based verification by officials. He supported anti-narcotics, anti-crime and anti-corruption efforts under “Prajashakti” initiatives but cautioned against giving authority to defeated election candidates over elected local bodies, and requested relief for all affected groups including farmers, fishermen, daily wage earners and three-wheeler drivers. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera raised concerns that disaster relief promised by the President may be limited by subsequent circulars and implementation conditions. He requested that the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant and the proposed Rs. 50,000 assistance cover not only flood-affected homes but also houses damaged by landslides and strong winds, with fewer documentation barriers for estate communities and mobile disbursement where possible. He also urged reassessment and protective works for high-risk schools in Yatiyantota, including Malalpola Vidyalaya, so relocated students can continue education safely. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran urged the Government to provide prompt and adequate disaster relief and compensation to affected communities in Ampara District, including farmers, fishermen, daily wage earners, and livestock breeders who have lost livelihoods. He said relief such as the Rs. 25,000 household payment was not reaching all affected groups fairly and criticized officials for demanding photographic proof of flooding before granting assistance. He also called for urgent coastal protection works in Thirukkovil, Karaithivu, and Pottuvil to protect temples, homes, roads, gardens, and paddy lands from erosion. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir highlighted severe flood damage in Puttalam District, including losses to agriculture, salt production, prawn aquaculture and coir-related livelihoods, and called for practical recovery measures such as reduced fertilizer prices, infrastructure support and industry revival plans. He requested proper access roads and restoration of the Puttalam–Mannar road, urgent action to reopen waterlogged schools, and village-level mobile arrangements to distribute the Rs. 25,000 house-cleaning assistance so affected residents need not travel long distances. He urged that relief and economic restoration be approached beyond party politics, emphasizing the national economic importance of Puttalam’s industries. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister described the regional impact of the “Dicha” cyclone and stated that Sri Lanka had comparatively reduced fatalities, established shelters quickly, and restored normalcy in a short period. He linked such disasters to environmental degradation and reported damage to ecosystems, protected wildlife, endemic freshwater fish, national parks, and botanical gardens. He said assessments are underway and that a special committee was appointed on 11 December to evaluate ecosystem damage and guide restoration measures. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni reported on the health-sector response to a recent disaster affecting districts including Kandy, noting restoration of essential services with support from the CEB, NWSDB, security forces, engineers and local authorities. He said three hospitals had become non-functional, with Mahiyanganaya and Halawatha restored, Wattegama temporarily operating from the MOH office pending relocation, and eight other facilities also planned for relocation; estimated health-sector damage was Rs. 2,113.5 million. He emphasized preventing disease outbreaks in relief camps, developing AI-assisted rapid warning and inundation systems for areas such as the Mahaweli basin, and expediting NBRO site assessments using external geologists and engineers. He also clarified that an operating bed was temporarily moved from Padaviya to Thambuttegama and said pharmaceutical matters were being handled legally and systematically. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Palani Thigambaram SJB AI summary Expressing condolences for disaster victims, Palani Thigambaram urged national unity and pledged cooperation with government recovery efforts while criticizing its disaster response compared with its past claims in Opposition. He highlighted recurring landslide risks in plantation districts and demanded safe housing for estate communities, including allocation of 7 to 10 perches of land per affected family, temporary relocation or tents, and immediate use of Indian-funded houses. He thanked India, government officials, and the Army for assistance, and called on the relevant Minister to visit affected Nuwara Eliya areas and make decisions to prevent people being forced back to unsafe sites. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB AI summary Dr. V.S. Radhakrishnan raised concerns about disaster-affected estate communities in the hill country, urging that displaced people not be sent back to unsafe homes until proper NBRO certification and basic facilities are ensured. He called for careful handling of relocations in areas such as Vaewandan and Norwood, and pressed the Government to address long-standing estate worker issues by securing wage increases, seven-perch housing land allocations, and permanent settlement in the hill country. He also questioned school reopening claims in the Central Province, requested new buildings for affected schools, and urged immediate appointment of all 1,162 eligible principals. He thanked India, MPs, and the public for relief assistance, while stating that the Government must take responsibility for protecting affected communities. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy addressed the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, noting severe flooding in the Northern Province, particularly in Mullaitivu, Mannar, Kilinochchi, and Jaffna, and outlined ongoing Government relief, monitoring, and data collection with the support of officials, security forces, religious leaders, and civil society. He identified blocked and unrepaired canals, bunds, and bridges as a major cause of flooding in Kilinochchi and Jaffna, and requested funding, including a proposed Rs. 200 million allocation for Kilinochchi, to clean and rehabilitate drainage channels. He urged cooperation with Government programmes such as Prajashakthi and called for a collective, non-partisan response to support affected people and reduce future losses. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB 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 Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. Krishnan Kalaichelvi expressed condolences for those affected by Cyclone “Titli” and described severe damage across 22 districts, especially in hill-country areas such as Nuwara Eliya, Walapane, Kotmale and Hanguranketha. She said many residents in vulnerable estate and hillside settlements remain in shelters or fear returning home due to damaged houses, roads and the risks created by unplanned construction. She welcomed the President’s commitment to relocate affected communities to safer areas and called for that plan to be implemented. She also praised the coordinated disaster response by government authorities, security forces, civil groups and citizens, and highlighted donations from estate workers, including one day’s wage, toward relief efforts. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi [10.01 a.m.] AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi moved an Adjournment Motion calling for swift, collective and evidence-based recovery measures after Cyclone “Michaung”, including disaster-resilient land use, safer settlements and economic activity that does not worsen natural hazards. He detailed the recovery situation in Nuwara Eliya District, noting substantial restoration of roads, hospitals, drinking water and electricity, while identifying remaining road, hospital and Walapane electricity issues. He commended public officers, security forces, volunteers, engineers, the CEB, the Water Board and NBRO, and highlighted NBRO inspections and reports on landslide risks affecting homes, roads and schools. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi presented the 2024 Annual Performance Report of the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Resources, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Tabled: Reports, Supplementary Estimate, Regulations, Orders and Performance Reports Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary The President said the Budget Committee Stage also included Ministry of Finance estimates, supplementary allocations, and a Public Security Ordinance resolution, but that national attention must focus on the widespread flood disaster and its loss of life, missing persons, and displacement. He expressed the Government’s condolences and said the State has a responsibility to rebuild in a more humane and resilient manner to prevent such tragedies recurring. He praised public solidarity, overseas Sri Lankan support, blood donations, and community relief work, and rejected criticism of such civic mobilisation. He also commended the armed forces and police, citing a difficult Navy and Air Force rescue of passengers stranded near Kala Wewa as an example of their commitment and capability. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Continued Budget Debate and Amendments Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman described flood and cyclone damage in Kotmale and other hill-country areas, requesting urgent assistance for displaced families, including those at Nuwara Eliya Gamini Vidyalaya, and raising concerns about local administrative support. He reported relief efforts supported by private donors and said accounts for funds collected would be submitted to Parliament. While noting doubts about the Budget’s feasibility and reserving detailed comment on plantation wages, he urged the Government to consider granting land titles to plantation communities as a practical response where housing for all is unaffordable. He said the Opposition and the Ceylon Workers’ Congress would support the President and Government at this stage, emphasizing national cooperation beyond party, ethnic, or religious divisions. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Continued Budget Debate and Amendments Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan expressed condolences for lives lost in the storm and floods and commended the Government, security forces, officials, foreign partners, NGOs and youth for their disaster response. He detailed severe damage in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Weli Oya, calling for alternative land and housing, compensation, bridge and road repairs, tank restoration and support for affected farming and livestock communities. He urged that relief payments be standardized based on actual damage, proposing Rs. 25,000 for all households or lands flooded, and requested that assistance be delivered without discrimination or administrative obstruction. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan expressed condolences to those killed during Cyclone “Titva” and the floods, including five Navy personnel in Chundikkulam and a bank employee, Pathmanikethan, who died after helping rescue bus passengers in Anuradhapura. He compared the disaster with major floods in 1958 and 1983, recalling damage to the Iranamadu Tank and community efforts to protect it. He commended irrigation engineers and officials in Kilinochchi for decisions taken to manage water levels, prevent a breach of the Iranamadu bund, and protect surrounding communities. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that post-disaster priorities should shift from publicity initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” or “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” to restoring damaged homes, bridges, roads, and agricultural land. He warned that unresolved flood and landslide damage would harm tourism, increase rice imports, and leave affected areas such as Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Batticaloa, Lunugala, Passara, and Silmiyaapura at continued risk. He called for urgent government action, criticized failures in road access and disaster response, and said the Highways Minister should be held accountable. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy urged the Government to avoid divisive rhetoric that he said discourages officials from making relief decisions, citing difficulties faced by Grama Niladharis in compiling lists for flood cleaning grants. He criticised delays by the Disaster Management Centre, called for recognition of rescue personnel including the late Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, and noted extensive damage to agriculture, industry, exports, employment, and middle-class livelihoods in affected areas such as Kalpitiya and Anamaduwa. He also called for stronger disaster preparedness and early warning systems, referencing India’s pre-positioning of relief centres, evacuations, alerts, and supplies as a model. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →