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- 22 October 2025 Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s renewable energy policy, arguing that successive reductions in the solar power tariff from Rs. 37 to Rs. 18 per unit discourage investment by small and medium renewable energy producers. He urged the Government to restore earlier tariff levels and support solar uptake in line with the 70 per cent renewable energy target for 2030. He also challenged the inclusion of LNG within that target, stating that LNG is not renewable and citing the Yugadanavi project as an example where, without an operational FSRU, generation effectively depends on diesel. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody replied to a Standing Order 27(2) question by providing detailed 2024 electricity generation and purchase costs by fuel type, ownership details of coal and diesel-related plants, and renewable energy tariff information. He outlined solar capacity targets under the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan up to 2030, noting that solar deployment had reached close to forecast levels by end-2024 and that rooftop capacity had exceeded 2,000 MW by August 2025. He said the Government is promoting solar through competitive procurement, transmission upgrades, streamlined approvals, tariff-setting by a multi-agency committee, and rooftop limits tied to contracted demand to ensure equitable transformer capacity sharing. Ministerial Statement and Debate: Power Generation Policy (Minister of Energy) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sivagnanam Shritharan questioned the Minister of Environment about the suspension of the Mannar Dry Zone Urban Water and Sanitation Project, a septage treatment facility funded by the Asian Development Bank and Mannar Urban Council and commissioned in 2015. He said the project had undergone environmental assessment before the area was later declared part of the Wedithalathivu Nature Reserve, and noted a 2023 Court of Appeal petition seeking to stop garbage and wastewater collection and plant operations. He asked on what basis the project was halted, who or what interests prevented its public benefits, and what steps the Ministry would take to recommence and continue the sanitation project. Oral Question: Mannar Water Supply Project (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Deputy Minister stated that no fish deaths had been reported in Beira Lake, though deaths of swift-like birds were reported near the Gangaramaya area in January 2025. He said the Colombo Municipal Council conducted the relevant investigation and its report was not with the Ministry, while responsibilities for Beira Lake fall under relevant custodial institutions, including the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation as detailed in an annex tabled in the Library. Oral Question: Fish Death in Beira Lake (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development whether he was aware of the recent fish deaths in Colombo’s Beira Lake, and requested the findings of the expert committee appointed to investigate the incident. He also asked what measures would be taken to address severe pollution in Beira Lake and other reservoirs across Sri Lanka, or, if no action was planned, the reasons for that. Oral Question: Fish Death in Beira Lake (Q.10/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government accepts PUCSL’s correction of the electricity tariff figure to 6.8 per cent and noted that this remains below the 38 per cent increase proposed when it took office. He said the Government aims to reduce tariffs but must address CEB’s long-standing structural problems, including debt, unpaid bills by State bodies and irregular connections. He also undertook to inquire into environmental concerns around Norochcholai and reported power outages in Kalpitiya, and to report back after investigation. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board Restructuring (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 October 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy questioned the proposed 6.8 per cent electricity tariff increase, noting that the PUCSL had rejected it and that the Government had not fulfilled its promise to reduce unit prices despite earlier higher CEB revenues. He also raised concerns about frequent power outages in the Kalpitiya power region and environmental and local impacts from Norochcholai, asking whether the Minister would implement a plan to address both the environmental damage and ongoing interruptions. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board Restructuring (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hector Appuhamy thanked the Deputy Minister and members from both Government and Opposition for supporting his Adjournment Motion. He said the motion highlighted the need for a dedicated financial institution to support climate change-related action, noting that such institutions are used globally to assist countries in this area. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody supported Hon. Hector Appuhamy’s motion on climate change, outlining its links to greenhouse gas emissions, hydrological disruption, reduced hydropower, agricultural losses, deforestation, human-elephant conflict, and pressures on fisheries and tourism. He stated that Sri Lanka is pursuing Paris-aligned goals including 32% forest cover, 70% renewable energy, cleaner production, and earlier net-zero ambitions, with plans to reduce 116 million metric tons of CO2 from 2026 to 2035. He highlighted measures such as declaring 30 new reserves, conserving aquifers and montane forests, removing invasive species, finalizing the Climate Prosperity Plan, and seeking increased grant funding. On carbon markets and a proposed climate finance bank, he said national policy must be carefully designed and that, for now, climate finance could be channelled through the Treasury unless sufficient grant funding supports a dedicated institution. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana supported the motion on climate change and vulnerable states, stressing Sri Lanka’s exposure to floods, landslides and other disasters and citing 2021 disaster impacts including deaths, injuries and housing damage. He referenced Sri Lanka’s obligations under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, noted the cancellation of the Kelani River flood mitigation component of the Climate Resilience Improvement Program in 2018, and called for clearer national decisions on emerging carbon market opportunities. He said consultations are under way to submit a national plan to Cabinet and that the Government is preparing a structured mechanism, led by the Prime Minister, to mitigate Kelani River flooding affecting Colombo District. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam supported the Adjournment Motion and urged the Government to act on flood preparedness in Batticaloa and the wider Eastern Province, including proposed Disaster Safety Centres at four identified locations, citing the start of the monsoon and tabling correspondence from the District Government Agent. He also raised concerns over coastal degradation and mineral extraction activities in Kuchchaveli and other Eastern Province areas, questioning the role of GSMB-linked officials and the private company “James Global”. He asked the Government to clarify who authorized the relevant exploration licence, whether it permits ilmenite removal, and whether this reflects Government policy. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala supported the motion on climate change, noting that Sri Lanka faces severe droughts, floods, food and water shortages, and energy disruptions despite contributing relatively little to global emissions. He referred to Sri Lanka’s role in the Climate Vulnerable Forum and its 2026-2035 commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11,675,800 metric tons. He welcomed the Ministry of Environment’s renewed work on climate planning, including the Climate Prosperity Plan, and called for cross-party and public cooperation to meet these obligations. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera said Sri Lanka’s wind and solar generation, including over 2,000 MW of solar capacity added since the launch of “Soorya Bala Sangramaya” in 2016, has reduced carbon emissions and could generate value through carbon trading. He argued that polluting countries or entities should compensate countries contributing to climate mitigation, and urged the subject Minister to explain the current status of carbon trading and how it will be used for national development. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera supported the Adjournment Motion ahead of the upcoming COP meeting in Brazil, linking it to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development commitments. He urged greater development of renewable energy, particularly Northern wind resources and year-round solar potential, and called for electrification of transport including cars, buses and rail. He also said Sri Lanka should move beyond discussions on carbon trading and secure value for its existing emissions reductions from hydropower and wind energy. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy moved an Adjournment Motion urging approval and implementation of Sri Lanka’s updated Climate Prosperity Plan under the Climate Vulnerable Forum framework. He argued that the Plan is necessary for sustainable, low-carbon development, climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy expansion, job creation and access to international climate finance. He proposed establishing a CVF office in Sri Lanka, creating a development bank to mobilize climate-risk funds, preparing carbon market guidelines, and using funding channels such as the Green Climate Fund, GEF, Adaptation Fund, World Bank, ADB, EIB, green bonds and PPPs. Adjournment Motion: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that religious activities at Pallakandal Church are not being obstructed, but noted that the church and access road lie within Wilpattu National Park under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. He said access is governed by the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, either by permit or traditional usage rights, and that a request for monthly services is awaiting adequate proof of tradition and advice from the Attorney General. He added that Wildlife officers act only to enforce the law against violations or unauthorized constructions within the park, not to impede worship. Oral Question 12: Religious Activities in Wildlife Conservation Areas (Answer Tabled) Read →
- 21 October 2025 The Hon. Gayan Janaka (on behalf of the Hon. Ajith Gihan) JJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Environment whether he is aware of claims that officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest Conservation are obstructing religious activities at Pallakandal Church in the Puttalam District. He requested the reasons for any such obstruction, or an explanation if the Minister is not aware of the matter. Oral Question 12: Religious Activities in Wildlife Conservation Areas (Answer Tabled) Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary T.K. Jayasundara moved to designate the Hiniduma-Kanneliya-Sinharaja “Southern Mist Triangle” as a tourism zone, supporting a proposal to Gazette the area and create administrative structures under the Tourism Ministry. He called for conservation-led development, including premium long-stay wellness residences, model tourism villages, homestays, adventure and wellness facilities, and value-added local products such as tea, kithul, cinnamon and spices. He also proposed training for local service providers and a unified administrative framework across provincial boundaries to ensure benefits reach surrounding communities. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka must diversify tourism beyond traditional attractions such as beaches, Yala and Sigiriya by developing experience-based products linked to nature, culture, heritage and local communities. He cited ongoing and proposed initiatives including the Pekoe Trail, Cinnamon Trail, Red Rice Trail, wreck diving and a possible Dedduwa project, while noting the need to regularize encroached lands. Regarding the Motion to develop a tourism zone around Pitigala, Udugama, Neluwa and Deniyaya, he said SLTDA has already identified Deniyaya for future declaration as a tourism zone and will follow the procedure under Section 26(2) of the Tourism Act, No. 38 of 2005, including boundary identification, stakeholder consultations, public notice and Gazette notification. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka supported Hon. T.K. Jayasundara’s proposal to develop inland tourism zones in Galle District, highlighting areas such as Neluwa, Pitigala, Niyagama, Nagoda, Udugama and Thawalama for their biodiversity, waterfalls, villages, religious sites and rural character. He emphasized the tourism and educational value of Sinharaja and nearby attractions, while noting the need to connect coastal tourism in Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Ahangama with inland natural destinations. He also referred to the Dedduwa Tourism Project in Bentota and urged bipartisan support to operationalize such initiatives to strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a regional tourism destination. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone Read →