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- 26 September 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan urged the Government to act impartially on its anti-corruption mandate, including investigating past corruption and preventing future abuses regardless of political affiliation. He welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s remarks at the United Nations on Palestine, but called for action regarding Israelis in Sri Lanka who, he said, were causing visa and access-related problems. He strongly opposed additional wind turbine installations on Mannar Island, citing prolonged public protests, environmental and community concerns, and alleged tender and approval irregularities, and asked that the proposed 10 turbines be relocated to alternative sites in Mannar District rather than imposed on the island. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran paid tribute to Thiyaga Theepam Thileepan and argued that Tamil rights issues remain unresolved, citing land settlement, political prisoners and militarization. He called for an immediate halt to the Kivul Oya project in the Mahaweli “L” Zone, alleging it would seize and submerge traditional Tamil lands, tanks, paddy fields and villages in Vavuniya North for the benefit of new settlers. He also urged the Government to stop the Mannar wind power project within residential areas, citing sustained local protests and prior discussions with the President, and demanded action against illegal fishing in Mullaitivu waters, questioning the inaction of the Navy and fisheries authorities. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Speaker AI summary Environmental Impact Assessments were presented as essential for development projects, with Mattala and the Hambantota human–elephant conflict cited as examples of risks from inadequate environmental planning. The remarks clarified that work on only a 200-metre stretch of a 37-kilometre section of the 378-kilometre Central Expressway was briefly halted over a tree-related issue, later resolved by a Cabinet decision, while the wider project continued. It was stated that past signing failures and alleged corruption increased costs from an estimated Rs. 5.2 billion to Rs. 6.29 billion per kilometre, and that discussions are under way with China’s Exim Bank to reduce interest, with completion targets of December 2026/January 2027 for the Rambukkana section and mid-2028 for the Galagedara section. Ministerial Statement: Central Expressway Project Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Adani Green Energy Limited had signed a 2022 MoU with several Sri Lankan institutions to promote wind power, but the Government later decided to re-examine the purchase tariffs agreed by the previous administration and appoint committees for that purpose. The Minister stated that Adani informed the Board of Investment on 12 February 2025 that it was withdrawing its project proposal, so cancellation does not arise. For future large-scale renewable projects, the CEB and Sustainable Energy Authority will complete preparatory work, use competitive international bidding with dollar-denominated tariffs, and discuss a payment guarantee mechanism with the World Bank. Oral Questions: Energy (Adani Power Plant) and Agriculture (Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi stated that the air quality portal provides real-time data and one-week forecasts under the national ambient air programme. He said an emergency response plan is in place and that authorities will monitor conditions and take necessary action. Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Raised concern that air pollution in Kandy may threaten its UNESCO World Heritage City status. Requested that the relevant authorities give due attention to protecting Kandy’s heritage designation. Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Kandy’s air-quality indicators do not show persistent severe pollution aside from occasional transboundary events. The government will examine hospital-reported respiratory cases, considering other factors such as temperature and humidity, and take action if warranted. Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella raised concerns about reported air pollution in Kandy city, particularly around the Kandy Lake roundabout where heavy traffic and schools are located. She cited reports from the Kandy General Hospital of children receiving treatment for respiratory problems, including COPD, and asked what action the Minister would take to address the issue. Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Central Environmental Authority monitors ambient air quality and that Kandy is currently within national standards, with real-time data available through a new national air quality web portal launched on World Blue Sky Day. He noted that short-term air quality reductions between October and March can occur due to transboundary fine particulates and meteorological conditions, but said these are episodic rather than persistent local pollution sources. He outlined measures under the National Environmental Act, including vehicle and fuel emission standards, industrial emission controls, open-burning regulations, continuous monitoring, public advisories, the National Environmental Action Plan 2022–2030, and efforts through SACEP to revive regional cooperation on transboundary pollution. Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Urban commuters face inadequate public transport and high taxi costs due to weaknesses in SLTB operations and depot management. District-level officials and Police OICs have been asked to intervene to improve depot performance, with some successful coordination between private and SLTB services, such as on the Kalutara–Colombo route. In response to concerns about Route 155, it was stated that 20 trips had operated the previous day and that specific lapses should be reported for inquiry. Oral Question: Container Release from Colombo Port (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion and criticised the Government for allegedly breaking its promise to reduce electricity bills by 30 per cent. He argued that tariff increases were being justified through claimed CEB losses and IMF-related cost-reflective pricing, while insufficient attention was being given to inefficiency, coal dependence, and renewable energy options such as rooftop solar. He urged the Government to follow the PUCSL framework, review the pricing formula through due process, and avoid further tariff increases that would burden households and small industries. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna opposed the proposed expansion of the Mannar wind power project, stating that the existing 35 turbines and planned additional turbines were degrading land and causing public resistance. He questioned the development rationale behind concentrating turbines in Mannar, referred to an unmet presidential undertaking for stakeholder consultation, and criticized continued project activity despite local opposition. He called on Mannar residents and religious leaders of all communities to unite against the current project design and associated excavation activities. Adjournment Motion: Ceylon Electricity Board Financial Status and Tariff Reduction Read →
- 25 September 2025 Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara urged support for strengthening Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by promoting lesser-known local attractions, including areas such as Mirigama. He called for the use of Parliament’s mandate to amend relevant orders, laws and regulations, and encouraged local-level participation to develop tourism and contribute to national progress. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Regulations for Vehicle Imports Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that a nationwide survey, excluding only Delft Island, had established baseline data on relevant animal populations, with provisions for people who missed official forms to submit information separately. He said the exercise was low-cost, would support work by ministries and researchers, and was being discussed jointly with relevant agencies. He clarified that no decision had been made to cull or harm animals, and that any population management would be lawful and guided by expert recommendations. He also noted that the survey relied on public reporting, applied a correction factor for possible over-reporting, and was intended to inform management rather than provide exact census figures. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana asked what action the Government intends to take in areas with high animal populations. He sought clarification on whether the plan is to cull, relocate, or adopt another method of population control. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana NDF AI summary Rohitha Abeygunawardhana questioned the methodology and coverage of a March wildlife census reportedly costing Rs. 3.9 million, which recorded large populations of langurs, monkeys, giant squirrels and peafowl, noting the Deputy Minister’s statement that only six GN Divisions in Delft were omitted. He asked whether urban areas such as Colombo 07 and Colombo 05 were included and, given the availability of district- and division-wise data, sought clarification on what action would be taken in areas with high animal populations, including whether culling, relocation or other measures were planned. Oral Answers to Questions Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Paid tribute to Rev. Fr. Luke Regini of Amalanmary Church, Mantai, and then objected to the proposed Mannar wind power project, citing prolonged public protests and the President’s directive to proceed with implementation. He argued that development should not come at the cost of local people’s lives and warned that resistance to the project would continue. He also welcomed the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, linking it to rising child abuse and calling for stronger measures to protect children amid social and technological vulnerabilities. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera – Acting Minister of Defence AI summary The Acting Minister of Defence supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, stating that it would give legal authority to technical recommendations and certifications, particularly for construction in landslide-prone and hilly areas. He said the Bill aims to reduce disaster risks through mandatory geotechnical assessments, enforceable building guidance, early warning and response systems, inter-agency coordination, research and development, and environmental safeguards. He noted that disaster management has been placed under the Ministry of Defence for coordination, that the National Council for Disaster Management recently met under the President’s chairmanship for the first time since 2018, and that programmes are underway to relocate families displaced by landslides to safer areas. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj JJB AI summary Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj supported the National Building Research Institute Bill, arguing that strengthening the NBRO is essential for landslide risk reduction and public safety in the hill country. He cited past disasters including Meeriyabedda, Kabaragala, and continuing risks in areas such as Haldummulla, Passara, Kanavarella, and Meedumpitiya, while noting unresolved permanent housing needs for affected families. He urged the Opposition to support the Bill in the national interest and also referred to future legislation against narcotics and underworld activity, particularly in relation to concerns about Tangalle. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas supported legislation establishing the National Building Research Institute as a statutory body, noting that the NBRO has operated since 1984 without an enabling Act despite its role in disaster prevention, geotechnical assessment, and construction guidance. He highlighted landslide risks across 14 districts, recent casualties, and past disasters such as Aranayake and Koslanda, arguing that the Institute should have legal authority to require concurrence, restrict construction, and transmit hazard maps to local authorities. He also said the law would regulate geotechnical reporting, address risks from high-rise and unstable-site construction, and give legal standing to building condition and impact assessments used in resolving disputes. Second Reading Debate: National Building Research Institute Bill Read →