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- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Minister rejected the claim that the Government is constrained by the IMF and said renewable energy curtailment is carried out only for technical system-stability reasons, affecting ground-mounted solar farms rather than rooftop solar. He stated that any tariff impact from exchange rate movements or Middle East tensions would mainly affect consumers using over 180 units, with Rs. 15 billion allocated to the National System Operator to cushion other users. He added that the Government does not expect to request a PUCSL-approved tariff increase before September. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister stated that outstanding payments to renewable energy developers total Rs. 8.06 billion, affecting 386 developers, and said Rs. 2 billion had been paid on 19 May 2026 with a further Rs. 1 billion due the following week, with the balance expected to be settled by end-June. He rejected the claim that thermal suppliers were prioritized, saying cash flow decisions were made to maintain fuel availability, grid stability and continuous supply during high demand, high fuel prices and low hydro conditions. He provided comparative unit cost figures for thermal and renewable generation, explained that renewable curtailment occurs only for technical stability reasons, and outlined battery energy storage procurements including 160 MW contracted, a 300 MW tender planned and 100 MW for frequency control ongoing. He also said Cabinet had approved the National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy, including a renewable energy roadmap covering tariffs, storage, grid integration and consumer safeguards. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on setbacks in the renewable energy sector, citing curtailment, policy uncertainty, weak storage incentives, non-competitive tariffs and payment arrears reportedly exceeding Rs. 15 billion since December 2025. He asked the Government to provide details on outstanding payments, cost comparisons between thermal and renewable generation, reasons for prioritising thermal payments, and the basis for curtailing renewables during low-demand periods. He also sought information on affected developers, projects, employment and banking exposure, and requested immediate measures to clear arrears and a comprehensive renewable energy roadmap covering tariffs, payment guarantees, storage, grid integration and long-term energy security. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam submitted documents to Parliament concerning a survey plan identifying an area as reserved forest and questioned how large-scale destruction of that forest was being permitted. He asked whether the Forest Department and the Government were aware of or involved in the matter and requested an official clarification to Parliament, with the documents placed in the Library. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam welcomed reported economic recovery in the Central Bank’s 2025 review but argued that stronger growth requires reducing regional disparities, particularly by increasing the North and East’s contribution to national output. He called for a special government plan for industrialization, investment, infrastructure, ports and airports, and development of livestock, agriculture and fisheries in those provinces. He also raised an allegation that about 40 acres of reserved forest in Vavuniya near the University had been cleared with possible Forest Department involvement, while local farmers and cattle herders face restrictions. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan recalled the suffering of civilians during the final phase of the war at Mullivaikkal and said affected families continue to seek justice without adequate relief. He urged the Government to prioritize establishing university campuses in Mullaitivu and Mannar, citing stalled plans for a Jaffna University campus in Mullaitivu and the need to improve education in war-affected Vanni areas. He also raised environmental and public health concerns in Mannar villages, calling for a ban on the use of poultry offal as fertilizer and action against a canned fish factory allegedly contaminating water sources. He warned that continued neglect of teacher shortages in the Vanni, particularly in science and mathematics, could lead to public agitation unless the Northern Provincial Education Department and Government intervene. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary The Minister provided statistical responses on tourism arrivals, earnings, source markets, emerging markets, average expenditure, length of stay and promotional spending, with annexes and performance tables placed in the Library. He stated that the top source markets have remained largely unchanged since 2022, while markets such as the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland and several European countries show notable growth. He outlined short-, medium- and long-term tourism development plans, including Treasury-funded provincial projects for 2026, a 2027-2029 project pipeline, centralized e-ticketing, Beira Lake development, and preparation of a 2026-2030 sector strategic action plan with World Bank support. Written Answers to Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi said the Environment Ministry is addressing both wild elephant conservation and issues relating to captive elephants used in cultural processions, including by suspending previous Cabinet decisions and appointing a committee. He outlined measures to reduce human-elephant conflict, including strengthening the Department of Wildlife Conservation with staff, vehicles and field support, rehabilitating 5,747 km of electric fences, establishing district coordination committees, creating nutrition zones, declaring 81 new forest reserves, operationalizing the Hambantota Elephant Management Reserve by Gazette, and updating the 2020 expert action plan. He requested parliamentary support to legally secure elephant corridors, including the Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa corridor, and said opposition cooperation was needed for successful implementation. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Sunil Biyanwila JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Biyanwila supported the motion, noting that several districts, including Matale, have been badly affected by the wildlife-related hazard, with severe impacts on perennial crops such as coconut. He said past ad hoc responses were insufficient and called for a coordinated plan involving the Wildlife Department and other stakeholders, while identifying shortages of vehicles, staff, and night-time response capacity as obstacles. He stated that district-level planning has begun under the Minister’s leadership and that efforts are under way to improve rapid interventions, strengthen fences, and reduce harm to farmers and the public within the year. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir supported the Adjournment Motion on the human-elephant conflict, linking it to the need to protect domestic agricultural production during the economic crisis. He said forest clearing and resettlement in parts of Ampara District have pushed elephants into coastal DS divisions, causing damage to lives, crops and property. He criticised the effectiveness and conduct of some officials assigned to elephant control and urged the Government and relevant Ministers to take serious action, noting that farmers are personally paying large sums for guards and fencing. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Called for the establishment of elephant fences in the Northern Province to prevent elephant attacks. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna supported the motion on human-elephant conflict, stating that Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and parts of Jaffna are severely affected and that no elephant fences have been erected in the Northern Province. He requested the Minister to consider establishing elephant fences in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, especially in poorer areas. He also raised a procedural concern under Standing Order 141(1), alleging that Hon. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam insulted a guest, Ms. Kowsalya Narendran, in the Parliamentary Library. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha stated that the human-elephant conflict in Matale District has worsened despite national and local measures, including the formation of a district committee coordinating wildlife offices. He cited the recent deaths of a father and daughter in Moragahulpotha, Wilgamuwa, and highlighted problems such as ineffective electric fences, isolated forest patches within planned settlements, and abandoned lands that now harbour elephants. He said short-term action was sought after the incident, including possible removal of an identified rogue elephant, while the Government is pursuing gradual, sustainable solutions across the district. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson seconded a motion by Hon. Rohini Kavirathna and, while marking 17 years since the end of the war, thanked war heroes and wartime state leaders. He highlighted the continuing human-elephant conflict, citing 35 human and 117 elephant deaths nationally from January to April 2026, including 7 human and 22 elephant deaths in Polonnaruwa, and attributed the problem partly to ineffective fencing, habitat loss from land allocations, and livestock inside Maduru Oya National Park. He urged better maintenance of electric fences, payment of overdue allowances and provision of facilities to Civil Security Department personnel attached to Wildlife, faster vehicle procurement, and stronger operational support for the Department of Wildlife. He also proposed that farmer organizations identify households needing secure paddy storage containers during harvest seasons to reduce elephant raids on homes. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Rohini Kumari Wijerathna urged that regulation remain under Government control while engaging capable specialized partners to assist, emphasizing that both human lives and animal welfare are at stake. She called for a structured, sustainable programme to protect both people and animals and for the expedited payment of compensation to victims. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna moved an Adjournment Motion calling for a sustainable, scientific solution to the human-elephant conflict, citing recent deaths in Wilgamuwa and data from Matale showing 14 elephant deaths, 12 human deaths, and 50 property damage incidents in 2025-2026. She said compensation payments are delayed, around 100 GN divisions in Matale face elephant threats, and existing mitigation measures such as electric fences suffer from poor design, maintenance, and regulation. She proposed a proper land-use plan, improved fence standards, stronger Wildlife Department infrastructure, vehicles, staffing and supplies, and tabled expert recommendations for consideration under a broader institutional framework with state oversight. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Human-Elephant Conflict Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Anuradha Jayaratne raised practical difficulties faced by persons whose houses were fully damaged, noting that delays in land identification, NBRI reports, and Divisional Secretary certification can cause sellers to withdraw or sell land elsewhere before the Rs. 5 million assistance is released. He asked the Government to create a process to resolve this issue, particularly in Gampola in relation to “Ditwah.” He also questioned the adequacy of disaster preparedness, citing concerns about the Mahaweli Authority’s awareness of cyclone warnings, and requested that officials be properly directed with a structured plan and empowered team to manage risks affecting reservoirs, drinking water, and agriculture. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara questioned the Minister’s claim of having scientific solutions for the human-elephant conflict, stating that the response indicated solutions were still being identified. He asked whether the previous system for issuing elephant-repellent ammunition would be restored until the new plan is implemented, citing lapses in distribution. He also raised concerns about Civil Security Department personnel seconded to the Department being posted far from former duty stations, receiving inadequate daily allowances, and facing safety risks, and asked whether allowances and facilities would be improved. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi said the Government recognises the human-elephant conflict as a serious issue causing deaths of both people and elephants, worsened by past political decisions and environmental degradation. He stated that the Department is being strengthened with human and physical resources while daily mitigation continues, including elephant fencing, nutrition sites, and work on elephant corridor declarations. He said the Government will appoint an expert committee to update and implement a scientific action plan, noting that the 2020 plan requires revision and stronger implementation powers, and that the Supreme Court has been informed of the need for such a plan. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara questioned the Government’s response to the continuing human-elephant conflict, citing recent deaths and delays in second-stage compensation payments despite prompt initial payments by Divisional Secretariats. He challenged Ministers who had previously promised scientific solutions while in Opposition to explain why such measures had not been implemented after one and a half years in office, and asked whether the Government had practical alternatives beyond expecting people to coexist with elephants. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →