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- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary During the Budget debate on the Ministry of Power and Energy Vote, Mrs. Geetha Herath outlined reforms under the amended Electricity Act, including the unbundling of Ceylon Electricity Board functions into four fully state-owned entities for generation, transmission, distribution, and system operation, while assuring protection of employee rights and consumer interests. She said the Government is promoting renewable energy and competitive electricity markets within a state-owned framework, alongside investment in energy security measures such as refinery expansion, development of the Trincomalee tank farm, EV charging stations, fuel storage expansion, and modernization of the Colombo Port–Kolonnawa pipeline. She also noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has returned to profitability and that the Ministry’s initiatives are aimed at reliable supply, reduced import dependence, and economic development. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper sought clarification on the President’s reported remarks after meeting Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi MPs, asking whether references to “outdated” political solutions implied changes to devolution, the Thirteenth Amendment, or a new constitutional framework. In relation to the Energy Votes, he questioned the Government’s readiness for electric vehicle infrastructure, distinguishing between slow mobile and AC chargers and the need for public DC fast chargers. He asked how many functional DC fast chargers exist, whether regulations and expressway coverage plans are finalized, and proposed standards for connectors, uptime, locations, payments, tariffs, and an app-based availability system to support EV adoption and decarbonization goals. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary The Minister said the Government’s energy policy prioritizes energy security by expanding domestic renewable sources, particularly solar, wind and biomass, while managing the economic burden of petroleum imports and rising electricity demand. He outlined measures including EV charging infrastructure, modernization of the Sapugaskanda refinery, rehabilitation of the Trincomalee tank farm, and fuel price reductions linked to global prices and institutional efficiency. He criticized past petroleum and electricity sector management, stating that new solar and wind procurement has reduced unit costs, with about 700 MW of solar added to the grid and 150 MW of wind tendered. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary During the Energy Ministry estimates debate, R. M. Gamini Rathnayake criticized a former Deputy Minister over an alleged unpaid CEB electricity bill linked to a 2019 event. He said the Government had abandoned previous plans to restructure the CEB into 12 companies and instead, through the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Act, would operate it under four state companies while protecting employees, noting voluntary retirement applications and secured jobs. He argued that future energy policy would shift away from costly fossil fuels toward renewables, targeting 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and addressing projected demand growth through more transparent procurement and long-term planning. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. D. V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D. V. Chanaka argued that the halting of major power projects, including the Sampur coal plant and the fourth stage of Norochcholai, caused large financial losses and higher electricity costs, contributing to Sri Lanka’s energy and foreign exchange crises. He said rooftop and ground-mounted solar with battery storage should now be expanded, noting he had proposed such measures earlier, and defended a vocational training project linked to the Reggie Ranatunga Foundation as privately funded and provided free to the State. He questioned the proposed import of 1,700 diesel cabs for the public sector in light of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy and carbon-neutral commitments, and urged the Government to develop offshore wind potential in the Mannar basin to reduce electricity bills. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka argued that recent renewable energy projects being claimed by the Government, including the 50 MW Mannar project and Siyambalanduwa solar project, were largely initiated, tendered, evaluated, or signed under the previous administration. He said the Government’s role was limited in these cases and cautioned against taking credit for prior groundwork or for private sector investments. He also criticized the JVP’s past opposition to hydropower projects such as Uma Oya, claiming it harmed the power sector by obstructing low-cost electricity generation. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the 2026 Energy Head is aimed at supporting economic growth through reliable, fairly priced energy, noting that 702 MW was added in 2025 and electricity tariffs had been reduced by 11 per cent, with a longer-term target of about one-third. He outlined plans to expand solar, wind, floating solar and future hydrogen capacity, including feasibility studies, a hydrogen policy by year-end, and related tariff, battery, safety and standards frameworks in 2026. He also detailed fossil fuel security measures, including expanding storage from about 25 days toward 45 days, new tanks at Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela, and Cabinet-approved fuel pipelines from the Dolphin Oil Terminal to Kolonnawa and Colombo Port to reduce unloading times and costs. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara urged members to support the Government’s renewable energy programme rather than oppose it as a matter of habit. He argued that the initiative would help advance Sri Lanka’s energy sector and make the country the lowest-cost electricity provider in Asia. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa said he supports renewable energy producers, including solar entrepreneurs, and argued that expanding renewables is necessary to reduce electricity tariffs for consumers. He criticized reductions in payments to solar producers from Rs. 37 to Rs. 27 and then Rs. 19, claiming these cuts harm entrepreneurs, and urged verification of contract details through official files. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of undermining renewable energy entrepreneurs, particularly in solar power, despite pledging to promote renewables, and alleged that it was serving fuel and electricity interests. He criticised the Government for continuing with the previous debt restructuring and IMF approach, arguing that macro-linked bonds could increase the debt burden as GDP grows and that domestic debt restructuring unfairly affected EPF and ETF holders while protecting banks and primary dealers. He called on the Government to strengthen renewables, reduce electricity tariffs by 33 per cent, and provide fuel at landed cost as previously promised. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s failure to implement election pledges to reduce electricity tariffs by 33 per cent and sell fuel closer to landed cost by removing taxes and commissions. He criticised the proposed Sahasdanavi combined cycle project, alleging that its Cabinet Paper used inaccurate assumptions on diesel prices and exchange rates, contrary to Public Utilities Commission observations, and warned of an estimated Rs. 7.3 billion cost to consumers. He also argued that renewable energy commitments, including solar expansion, were being undermined by reduced solar tariffs and inadequate support for existing solar investors. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa warned about the risk of snake bites within the Parliament premises, noting its location in an environmentally sensitive zone. He asked whether anti-venom is available and urged relevant officials to look into preparedness and safety precautions for Members and staff. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: 'Aruna' News Report (19.11.2025) and Related Procedural Matters Read →
- 20 November 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa noted that Parliament is situated next to an environmentally sensitive area, implying concern about environmental protection in the parliamentary precinct. He appeared to be raising the need for attention to conservation or safeguards around the area, though the excerpt provides no further details of specific proposals or demands. Ministerial Statement and Points of Order: 'Aruna' News Report (19.11.2025) and Related Procedural Matters Read →
- 19 November 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera questioned the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development on alleged irregularities involving Asha Minerals, including a 30-year agreement with the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation at Aruwakkalu, alleged mining without a valid licence, and a police raid. He also asked about a salvage contract with Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd., possession of ilmenite cargo reportedly worth Rs. 300 million despite Attorney-General objections, and alleged diversion of mineral assets. He sought details on measures to protect State resources, ensure accountability, and restore the rights of legitimate licence holders. Written Answers to Questions and Administrative Notices Read →
- 18 November 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara argued that the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Vihara in Trincomalee has a documented history since 1951 and that its related Dhamma school, land allocation, fence, and temporary sales hut had received approvals or no-objection letters from relevant authorities. He tabled several documents, including registrations, Coast Conservation and other agency approvals, and later removal orders issued in 2025, noting that a writ application is pending in court. He questioned police intervention during the laying of a foundation stone for Dhamma school construction and urged that the matter be handled through proper legal and administrative procedures rather than political pressure. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka questioned the Government’s tourism performance, arguing that 2025 arrivals and revenue are below targets and below 2018 revenue levels, and called for stronger promotion aimed at higher-spending tourists. He criticized the use of tourism promotion levy funds, citing expenditure on Beira Lake restoration, and highlighted issues in tourist areas including waste and wastewater management, water supply, trained personnel shortages, and security concerns. He also raised justice-sector issues in Galle District, including inadequate lawyers’ chambers, difficulty obtaining case records, lack of computers and staff, delays in summons service, and broader case backlogs, especially in land cases. He proposed digitizing case records, equipping court registrars to implement electronic service, reconsidering school facilities for transferred judges’ children, strengthening professional standards for new lawyers, and establishing a court to serve Imaduwa and Habaraduwa. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Minister Vijitha Herath outlined the integrated Ministry’s foreign policy priorities, emphasizing economic diplomacy, market expansion, diaspora engagement, and neutral international relations to increase foreign exchange earnings. He reported progress including new and reopened missions in New Zealand, Cyprus, and Chengdu, renewed political dialogues with several countries, 70 new MoUs or agreements, expanded ties in the Caribbean, and facilitation of foreign investment engagement. He also cited work on debt restructuring, tariff negotiations with the United States, cooperation with international financial institutions, and plans to hold Sri Lanka Expo in 2026 after 13 years. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage (Heads 110, 112, 228-236, 326) Read →
- 17 November 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary On behalf of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Resources, Hon. Hector Appuhamy presented committee reports on several annual and performance reports relating to tea, coconut cultivation, fisheries, aquatic resources, and related institutions. The reports covered documents from 2017 and 2021-2024, including those of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Coconut Cultivation Board, NARA, the Ministry of Fisheries, and the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, and were ordered to lie upon the Table. Papers - Annual Reports and Committee Reports Tabled Read →
- 13 November 2025 Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne supported the Government’s second Budget, describing it as focused on fiscal discipline, poverty alleviation, production, exports, digitalization, investment, and protection of all communities. He defended the proposed estate worker wage increase to Rs. 1,750, including a Rs. 200 Government arrival incentive, and questioned Opposition criticism of that payment. He also highlighted allocations for tourism development, nature and heritage attractions, coastal and lagoon restoration under Clean Sri Lanka, and sports promotion, linking these measures to economic growth, public health, and a proposed sports economy. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath welcomed measures in the Budget to strengthen the economy, support war-displaced housing, increase estate worker wages, and fund development projects in Batticaloa, including bridges, fisheries harbour development, irrigation, and universities. He urged additional attention to underdeveloped areas such as Padavan-karai, calling for improved hospitals, roads, bridges, fisheries harbours, and the release of tanks held by state agencies to expand irrigation. He raised unresolved grazing land disputes in Mayilathamadu, Mathavanai and other areas, criticised the lack of Budget measures for herders, and demanded stronger action on human-elephant conflict, including elephant fencing, Wildlife Department sub-offices, and officer appointments. He also requested that land currently occupied by the prison adjoining Batticaloa Teaching Hospital be transferred to the hospital to address its space shortage and support planned health-sector upgrades. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →