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- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa expressed condolences for deaths and damage caused by severe weather and thanked officials and security forces involved in relief work, while urging the Government to immediately declare a state of disaster under Section 11(1) of the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005. He called for swift compensation and updated relief circulars for affected households, farmers and fishers, and questioned delays in past disaster relief, including in Ampara. He also criticized the Government’s agricultural policy, alleging failures in fertilizer support, input affordability, fair prices, irrigation rehabilitation and human-elephant conflict management, and demanded a national programme to revive agriculture and strengthen food security. He further urged reforms to the Disaster Management Act and framework, including improvements to early warnings, inter-agency coordination, risk mapping, community preparedness and infrastructure. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Namal Rajapaksa expressed condolences to those affected by adverse weather and said the Opposition would support disaster-response efforts, while urging the Government to prioritize evacuations and lifesaving measures in high-risk flood and landslide areas. He criticized agricultural and food import policies, arguing that farmers had been unfairly blamed for overproduction while imports of rice, vegetables and fruit had harmed producer prices without reducing consumer prices. He called on the Government to compensate and support flood-affected farmers, strengthen local agriculture rather than rely on imports, and consider adjourning Parliament so MPs and local committee chairs could assist disaster response in affected villages. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne urged the Government to table a comprehensive national plan for agriculture and irrigation, approved by Parliament, to ensure continuity across ministries and administrations, including import-substitution targets and future Mahaweli-related water transfer projects. He cited gains in rice production since 1950 but argued that further progress requires a structured plan, stronger action on post-harvest losses, operationalizing the Dambulla Cold Storage facility, and practical measures to address wild animal damage, including clarity on the elephant and wild animal census. He also called for accelerated agreements and funding for the North Central and North Western Canal projects and a parallel programme to rehabilitate the approximately 1,200 minor tanks they are intended to feed. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka outlined the 2026 allocations for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, including funding for paddy buffer stocks, fertilizer subsidies, farmers’ pensions, crop insurance, irrigation rehabilitation, milk production, breeding farms, agri-credit and paddy drying machinery. He reported severe climate-related damage in Kandy District, particularly Ududumbara, where people were displaced, houses collapsed and access was blocked, and linked the wider disaster situation to pressures on agriculture. He also highlighted human-elephant conflict, citing annual human and elephant deaths and flood-related incidents, and noted allocations and vehicle procurement to strengthen mitigation and Wildlife Department capacity. He called on the Opposition to support relief efforts for affected communities. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna JJB AI summary K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna outlined the Government’s response to severe weather caused by a low-pressure system, noting widespread flooding, reservoir spillovers, landslide risks, and 26 reported deaths in Badulla. He said the President had directed immediate action involving the Tri-Forces, Police and officials, with district and divisional coordination mechanisms to gather information and deliver relief, including cooked meals, dry rations and compensation for crop damage. He also noted the postponement of the Advanced Level examination by two days and said party leaders would consider allowing Members time away from the Budget debate to attend to affected constituents. He urged residents in landslide-prone and downstream areas to evacuate and follow official instructions. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Minister K.D. Lal Kantha requested the Opposition to avoid calling a Division on the Ministry’s Heads of Expenditure, citing the ongoing disaster situation affecting several districts and provinces. He argued that summoning Members for a vote would hinder their ability to attend to urgent relief and intervention work, and asked that the Opposition’s protest be recorded while allowing the Heads to pass without division. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara warned that major disaster cycles tend to recur every seven to eight years and urged the Government to ensure preparedness. He also called on the Government to fulfil its promises to support farmers. Appropriation Bill 2026 - Committee Stage - Eleventh Allotted Day (Heads 118, 281, 282, 285-289, 292, 327, 337) Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake made a special statement on heavy rainfall, floods and landslides, detailing NBRO warnings and recommendations for the Kadugannawa section of the Colombo–Kandy Road after rockfall and subsidence halted traffic. He said limited one-way traffic would be allowed only in dry conditions with barriers, flagmen, lighting and continuous monitoring, while the road would close during rain and alternative routes, including protected transport for A/L candidates, would be provided. He reported over 170 landslide-related incidents, 26 deaths, four missing persons and several road closures, and urged the public not to visit hazardous sites. He also tabled NBRO reports, including a 1999 Kadugannawa slope stability report, and said further decisions on protecting the historic corridor and relief measures would follow discussions with the President. Ministerial Statement: Heavy Rainfall, Floods and Landslides Read →
- 27 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka drew attention to the severe adverse weather affecting multiple districts, noting reported deaths and warnings from the Department of Meteorology of worsening conditions. He acknowledged measures such as the two-day postponement of the G.C.E. (A/L) Examination and urged the Government to implement a coordinated national response involving all agencies to protect lives and property. He also appealed to the public to act responsibly and cautiously. Opening and Announcements Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe emphasized the economic importance of the fisheries sector in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and called for improved harbour infrastructure, particularly the completion of coastal protection works and operationalization of the Oluvil Fisheries Harbour. He argued that making the harbour functional would support deep-sea fishing, exports, local livelihoods, and national income. He also requested urgent compensation and relief for fishers in Ampara District affected by the 2024 floods and the ongoing flooding, noting damage to boats and fishing gear in areas including Pottuvil, Akkaraipattu, Thirukkovil, Oluvil, and Addalaichenai. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa highlighted climate change, monsoon flooding, and rough seas as major pressures on fishers and farming communities in the Ampara District, noting recent evacuations and the need for facilities and relief for affected residents. He supported the 2026 Budget allocation of nearly Rs. 350 million for Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour, called for restoration of Oluvil Harbour, and urged re-establishment of radio communication systems for the Ampara–Kalmunai fishing fleet. He said the Government had acted with the Fisheries Ministry and Tri-Forces to stop fish piracy in Eastern waters and outlined plans for digital technologies, aquaculture, and inland freshwater fish production to strengthen the fisheries sector. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana argued that the Government has failed to support fishing communities, particularly in Negombo and surrounding areas, citing unpaid X-Press Pearl compensation, high fuel and operating costs, and reduced boat activity. He called for alternatives before banning winches in madal operations, stronger action against illegal offshore gear, consultation before expanding VMS/transponder requirements, and a programme to support fisher families during weather-related fishing bans. He also urged investment in coastal school resources and implementation of a Negombo lagoon development programme to support both fisheries and tourism. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan said the Fisheries Ministry has a comprehensive plan to revive and modernize the sector, including reactivating multi-day vessels, reducing fuel costs for boats, and strengthening institutions such as Cey-Nor, North Sea Ltd., NARA and NAQDA. He outlined planned infrastructure work, including new jetties in Wellamankara, a feasibility study for Halawatha, and funds for Kalpitiya harbour next year. He said the Government would regulate stake-net and light-coarse fishing to protect small fishers and the marine environment, and would introduce a new Fisheries Act to replace fragmented amendments. He also highlighted plans to expand prawn farming, dried fish, ornamental fish and other export-oriented aquaculture activities. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe called for faster provision of fish-location technology to fishers and urged merit-based appointments and private-sector involvement in science and technology institutions to accelerate commercialization and avoid prolonged, outdated research. He proposed reviving and expanding the “Shilpa Sena” district exhibition programme to disseminate technology, including to rural youth and sectors such as agriculture. He also challenged Government claims on education funding, citing reductions in several capital allocations and student support programmes, and urged the Government to honour its education commitments or state openly if it cannot. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi JJB AI summary Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi defended the Government’s digital economy allocations and progress, citing completed physical implementation of GovPay, Lanka Government Network 2.0, Lanka Government Cloud 2.0, AI upgrades to the State Information Center, cybersecurity initiatives, and work on a National Data Exchange. He said the Government was open to further parliamentary and public discussion on digital transformation and Digital ID, while also noting progress on a National Science Policy and research commercialization. On fisheries, he argued that fuel prices had fallen compared with the previous administration and highlighted digital support for fishing vessels, satellite-based fish field intelligence, and a Beruwala slipway project intended to support boat owners and foreign exchange earnings. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa called for a comprehensive new fisheries policy focused on sustainable stock management, fisher livelihoods, anti-IUU enforcement, digital monitoring systems, aquaculture, infrastructure, export value addition, and blue economy financing. He said the sector contributes only 0.9 per cent to GDP despite Sri Lanka’s large maritime and inland water resources, and urged the Government to deliver promised fuel relief to fishing communities while offering support for a successful national policy. He also outlined proposals to build a US$ 25–30 billion digital economy by 2030 through upgraded connectivity, cloud and data infrastructure, AI and IT skills development, district-level IT investment zones, digital ID, digital public services, and inter-agency data sharing. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns about fisheries livelihoods in Trincomalee, urging the Fisheries Minister to meet 1,845 families affected by a cage fishing agreement with Global Ceylon Seafoods and to provide either alternative fishing opportunities or an alternative site for the company rather than cash relief. He also called for urgent action in Kalmunai and Karaithivu–Mavadippalli following early monsoon impacts, including bridge and railing works and dry-ration relief for affected fishers. Addressing the Digital Economy portfolio, he highlighted problems in immigration digitization, proposed a secure online mechanism to check travel bans, and called for better EV charging infrastructure and updated legal frameworks for international digital payments and taxation. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 26 November 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara said Sri Lanka must build a production-oriented economy by increasing investment in science, technology and R&D, noting that past spending was very low compared with regional and advanced economies. He outlined Budget allocations including Rs. 21 billion for R&D across ministries, measures to reduce potato imports through seed development and technology, and Rs. 1,200 million for commercialization of research. He highlighted planned initiatives in green hydrogen, green ammonia, rooftop solar grid control, data centres and foreign investment, and said forthcoming 2026 legislation would establish national research and commercialization institutions to align priorities and oversight. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Read →
- 25 November 2025 The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed thanked the Education Minister for agreeing to resume halted construction works at six schools in Vavuniya and Mannar and requested an assembly hall for a Vavuniya Muslim Maha Vidyalaya marking its centenary, since National School elevation is not currently available. He urged special attention to Northern and Vanni schools to address resource shortages, teacher shortages in mathematics, science and English, frequent transfers, dropout pressures including drug abuse, and the need for district-based teacher appointments, expedited principal appointments, and school management training. He also called for progress on the proposed medical faculty at Vavuniya University, possible recreational development of part of its land, and the urgent issue of long-delayed certificates for more than 1,200 teacher trainees from several colleges. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Read →
- 24 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister explained that sanctuary declarations, including the Seruwila–Allai Sanctuary gazetted in 1970, do not change land ownership but require Wildlife Department approval for any development or alteration within the area. He acknowledged unresolved land issues in war-affected areas, including possible errors from GPS-based demarcation, and noted earlier efforts to identify lands for release. He said a Cabinet decision on 25 August 2025 led to a special inter-ministerial committee and district-level subcommittees to address these matters, and urged affected parties to present their cases through those forums. Adjournment Motion: Land Issues in Verugal DS Division, Trincomalee Read →