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- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri supported the Private Members’ Motion to designate the Pitigala, Udugama, Neluwa and Deniyaya area around Sinharaja as a tourism zone. He highlighted Sinharaja’s UNESCO World Heritage status, biodiversity and access routes, noting recent and ongoing road improvements that could support tourism. He proposed promoting the area domestically and internationally online while ensuring protection of the ecosystem. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Lal Premanath JJB AI summary Seconding Hon. T.K. Jayasundara’s Motion on tourism, Hon. Lal Premanath highlighted the tourism potential of Deniyaya, Kotapola, and Pitabeddara in Matara District as a cool rural zone suited to ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure travel, and agro-based tourism. He cited Sinharaja Rainforest access via Lankagama, Getabaru Rajamaha Viharaya, Patna Sliding Rock, waterfalls, tea factories, spice gardens, viewpoints, and hiking trails as key attractions. He urged focused development and further identification of tourism assets in the area to strengthen it as a pillar of the tourism industry. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara proposed developing the Sinharaja–Kanneliya–Deniyaya “mist triangle” as a sustainable tourism zone, citing its accessible location, misty rainforest ecology, freshwater resources, temperate climate, biodiversity, and cultural diversity. He argued that the area could diversify Sri Lanka’s tourism beyond beaches and traditional hill destinations, especially given concerns over coastal water quality, and attract wellness, nature, birding, adventure, and cultural tourists. He also said such development could generate national income and support local industries linked to tea, spices, gems, cinnamon, kithul products, handicrafts, and village-based tourism. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary T.K. Jayasundara moved a motion urging the Government to designate and develop the ecosystem spanning Pitigala, Udugama, Neluwa, Deniyaya and Ratnapura as a tourist zone. He argued that tourism is important for increasing domestic income and highlighted the Sinharaja World Heritage Forest, Kanneliya forest, and Hiniduma Kanda as internationally significant wet-zone natural assets with high biodiversity and tourism potential. Private Members' Motion P.42/2025: Sinharaja Tourism Zone Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns over illegal sand mining, deforestation, land issues, and what he described as Sinhala-Buddhistization in Mullaitivu, while acknowledging recent and planned government infrastructure projects such as the Vettuvaykal and Kokkilai-Pulmoddai bridges. He argued that Mullaitivu remains underdeveloped despite its tourism potential, citing inadequate transport, amenities, promotion, investor confidence, and the continuing presence of explosive remnants, and urged expedited demining. Referring to regional disparities in the 2024 Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority data, he requested that the Government establish and support effective tourism facilities in Mullaitivu, while also addressing memorialization, land, worship, and disappeared persons’ issues affecting the district. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Final Speeches Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (1141114114) Chandana Sooriyaarachchi JJB AI summary Chandana Sooriyaarachchi asked why the Sitawaka museum was expedited despite not appearing in the Central Cultural Fund’s annual activity plan. He argued that a better-planned programme linking heritage, ecology, and tourism could have created greater value, and questioned whether the Ministry had intervened to highlight the area’s authentic historical significance and why it had not taken primary responsibility when the museum was established. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. T. K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T. K. Jayasundara raised concerns about uncontrolled bamboo growth along riverbanks contributing to flood damage by blocking bridges. He noted initiatives in Galle to develop a bamboo-based industrial village and proposed a related bamboo biochar project for use in the tea sector, citing TRI guidance on application limits. He asked whether government approval and support would be provided, in coordination with the Ministry of Industries, for introducing these products. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. T. K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T. K. Jayasundara raised concerns that soil acidification, reduced nutrient retention, and declining organic matter caused by fertilizer use are affecting tea and broader agriculture. He proposed wider use of biochar, particularly from bamboo, to improve soil microbial activity, water retention, and long-term carbon storage. He asked for the Minister’s view on establishing a coordinated mechanism involving the Ministries of Plantation, Agriculture, and Finance to address the issue urgently. Oral Question 2: Hospitals in Galle District Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy presented the report of the Special Meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability on updating Sri Lanka’s Climate Prosperity Plan to address climate change, which was ordered to lie upon the Table. He thanked representatives of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, including Mohamed Nasheed and other officials, and urged Members to study the report carefully with a view to implementing the Climate Prosperity Plan in Sri Lanka. Committee Reports Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe said the Heda Oya Reservoir has been studied since 1956, with later updates showing that the full project would inundate 6,000 acres and displace over 250 permanent households, creating major social and political concerns. He stated that no funds will be allocated for the project in Budget 2026 and that there are no immediate implementation plans, though the project has not been abandoned and would require further socioeconomic and environmental assessments. He said the Government’s current priority is to complete stalled irrigation projects such as Pahala Malwathu Oya, Pahala Yan Oya, Lower Uma Oya, Mundeni Aru and Kivul Oya, where work, land acquisition or expenditure has already begun. Adjournment and Adjournment Questions Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the amendments to the Convention Against Doping in Sport Act, stating that they are needed to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with updated WADA requirements and strengthen SLADO’s international recognition. He cited recent SLADO data showing continued anti-doping violations and argued for improved education, testing, results management, infrastructure, human resources, and accredited laboratory capacity. He also criticized misinformation circulated on social media about an unpassed bill relating to school discipline, noting that existing circulars and legal frameworks already address corporal punishment. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne supported the Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill, stating that it seeks to align Sri Lanka’s anti-doping framework with WADA standards and protect fair competition and athlete health. He noted practical issues including the absence of local testing laboratories, reliance on overseas facilities in Malaysia and Qatar, delays in results, and the need to address not only athletes but also coaches and suppliers involved in doping. He said 67 athletes had tested positive between May 2011 and May 2025 across several sports, and outlined measures including awareness programmes, athlete and coach allowances, and broader development of a sports economy to reduce incentives for doping and support athlete participation. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer on the transfer and transport of mineral resources from the Northern Province, stating that local government bodies are involved only in issuing trade licences for quarries using stone crushers and granting road-use permission when local authority roads are used. He stated that approvals for mining and mineral transport are governed by the Mines and Minerals Act, under which minerals may be transported anywhere in Sri Lanka with the relevant statutory approval, without separate approval from Provincial Councils or local authorities. Oral Question: Transfer of Resources - Northern Province (Tabled Answer and Deferred Question) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that recycling and collection efforts require a whole-of-society approach rather than action by a single Ministry. He noted that private entities are already involved and said that, under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, inter-agency coordination is underway. He undertook to refer the proposal to the Advisory Committee and prepare an action plan. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked whether the Ministry has taken action to reduce microplastics, noting that they are particles under 5 mm that can break down into nanoplastics and are present in products such as toothpaste and cosmetics. He linked their environmental spread to concerns about rising chronic diseases, including cancers, particularly in areas such as Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that Sri Lanka currently has only one glass bottle manufacturer and said the Government has urged it to expand while also inviting new investors into the sector. He said the Ministry is prepared to facilitate such investments with credit and other support, given growing demand for alternatives to polythene and plastic. He also highlighted priority support for recycling initiatives, including facilities in industrial parks for businesses using recovered glass bottles and other recyclable materials. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Industry Ministry’s role is focused on production, while consumer protection and environmental regulation fall to the CAA and the Environment Ministry. He acknowledged weaknesses in enforcement and said the Government is tightening regulation of products, markets, manufacturers, and imports, noting concerns about the quality of some imported goods. He also outlined proposals to reduce packaging through alternative materials, selective bans, changes in consumer behaviour, and mechanisms for producers to bear recycling costs. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri highlighted Sri Lanka’s high annual plastic consumption and stated that single-use plastic and polythene account for about 70 per cent of total use. Citing monthly usage figures for yoghurt cups, lunch sheets, and polythene bags, he asked the Ministry what specific measures have been taken to reduce single-use polythene. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that 158 plastic and polythene manufacturing factories are registered under the Industrial Promotion Act, while CEA data records 780 licensed polymer-based product manufacturers as of 30 June 2025. He said separate national production data are not yet compiled, but a JICA-supported CEA system to track plastic imports, environmental releases and recycling volumes is planned for operation in 2026. He outlined existing CEA bans and controls on various polythene and single-use plastic products, and said inter-agency work is under way to strengthen standards for plastic water bottles, food containers and infant milk bottles, including controls on BPA and phthalates. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to provide information on the number of plastic manufacturing factories in Sri Lanka and annual production volumes of plastic and polythene. He also sought details on measures to reduce plastic and polythene use and whether the Government has considered the quality of plastic food packaging intended for young children. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →