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- 6 August 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised concerns during the debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill about delays in electricity connections in the Vanni District due to shortages of poles, insulators and wires, and frequent power cuts in Mannar despite the presence of wind power projects. He said residents oppose wind plants on Mannar Island because of impacts on fisheries, flooding and land use, and proposed relocating such projects to other areas of Mannar District, urging that these matters be addressed at a scheduled meeting with the Minister. He also objected to CEB-related land allocations to companies in Muthunagar, Trincomalee, affecting long-standing farmers, and requested that remaining land be formally given to them. He further asked for free or affordable electricity connections for low-income households, noting that about 2,500 families are waiting for assistance. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku argued that existing rooftop and ground-mounted solar tariffs, set based on earlier cost structures, should be revised to reflect current costs. He said the payback period for rooftop solar can be unusually short and stated that the Government would introduce a tariff structure fair to both consumers and utility providers. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked how the proposed new framework or Bill would further promote rooftop solar, noting that citizens had already added about 1,710 MW of rooftop capacity and around 200 MW of ground-mounted solar without State subsidies. He sought clarification on the model to be used and how the Bill would strengthen continued solar adoption. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Member rejected claims that a government visit for discussion had been an attack on a protest, stating that the NPP Government would not obstruct democratic rights to protest or express views. He said the proposed Amendment Bill is intended to enable future transformational changes in the energy sector and invited support for its passage. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary The Minister said the Tobacco Tax regulation gives legal effect to increasing the beedi tax from Rs. 2 to Rs. 3, following the Budget decision and in line with inflation-based adjustments for other tobacco products. On the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, he argued that the 2024 framework was harmful and that the new amendments retain state governance over generation, transmission, distribution and system operations while allowing investment to improve capacity and efficiency. He said the policy aims to avoid fragmentation and privatization, reduce long-term electricity costs, support industrial development, and reach 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 through expanded hydro, wind and solar generation. He also noted that the Government’s diplomatic engagement had reduced the United States’ reciprocal tariff rate from 44 per cent to 20 per cent. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 6 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the 2025 Electricity Amendment Bill fails to ensure affordable, uninterrupted supply or promote clean energy, and instead weakens consumer protection, regulation, worker safeguards, and investor confidence. He accused the Government of undermining renewables while favouring thermal generation, citing the Sahasdanavi LNG project and PUCSL concerns over allegedly incorrect cost assumptions used for approval. He also criticized reductions in rooftop solar tariffs and said these had harmed solar businesses, jobs, and loan repayments, while accusing the Government of breaking election promises to reduce electricity bills due to adherence to IMF-linked tariff policy. He stated that the Opposition would prioritize and fully implement renewable energy in national policy. Debate: Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading, Committee and Third Reading Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concern over alleged illegal night fishing in the Mullaitivu sea area using powerful lights. He questioned why the Navy, Police and Department of Fisheries had not stopped these activities despite being responsible for enforcement. Debate: Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Regulations Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Thurairasa Ravikaran welcomed the debate on Regulations under the Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Act and commended the Government’s action, while invoking the remembrance of Pandara Vanniyan to highlight current concerns in the Vanni. He raised objections to Cabinet-approved wind power towers in Mannar, citing local protests at Thalladi, and urged authorities to remove the components opposed by residents. He also sought attention to the disappearance of fisherman Vincent Paul Arumai in Mullaitivu, noting damage and human blood found on his boat and suspicions of an attack linked to illegal sea activities. Debate: Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Regulations Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised the ongoing protest in Mannar over wind power generation. He requested that the relevant Ministers and key officials be summoned within the next day or two to discuss the matter and reach a decision. Point of Order: Mannar Wind Power Protest Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary As of the date of the response, no active exploration or development licences exist for gas and oil exploration in Sri Lanka’s Mannar Basin. A previous exploration licence granted to Cairn Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. in 2008 has expired, so related follow-up details were deemed not applicable. Oral Question: Gulf of Mannar - Exploration of Gas and Oil (Q.199/2024) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary M.S. Abthul Wazeeth urged the establishment of a separate zonal education office for Pothuvil, arguing that the current allocation of Muslim, Tamil and Sinhala schools to different zones amounts to ethnic segregation and undermines unity. He requested appointments for trained preschool teachers, long-pending appointments for Maulavis, and faster action on proposed South Eastern University tourism and Open University branches in Pothuvil. He also called for urgent measures against coastal erosion in Hidayapuram and for consultation with coastal small traders in Maruthamunai before the Coast Conservation Department removes temporary business structures. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms (continued) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary K. Kader Masthan raised a Standing Order 27(2) question to the Minister of Environment regarding alleged arbitrary land gazettes and demarcations by the Departments of Wildlife Conservation and Forests in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu since 2009. He sought detailed information on gazetted protected areas, affected private lands and families, demarcations made without gazettes, consultations or surveys conducted, and action taken following a 2025 Vanni coordination meeting that recommended releasing specific extents of land. He urged the Government to expedite the release and gazetting of lands to address impacts on displaced persons, farming, livestock and fishing livelihoods. Question by Private Notice: Land Issues in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya (Q. Private Notice 1) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary Anton Jayakody stated that large volumes of waste wash ashore between Colombo and Negombo, including debris from ships and other countries, and said continuous beach-cleaning is being carried out under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He noted that compensation already paid to fishers affected by the X-Press Pearl disaster was insufficient, while two ongoing cases seek further compensation to be distributed depending on the outcomes and available funds. He also said pollution from a recent accident in India has affected the coast from Negombo to Jaffna, and that the Coast Conservation Department and MEPA are conducting cleanup operations. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana raised concern over severe coastal pollution from Mount Lavinia to Negombo, including waste discharge into the sea in a key fishing area. He asked what measures are being taken to protect and clean the coastline, and how the Government is intervening to resolve outstanding issues related to the environmental damage from the X-Press Pearl disaster, while compensating affected fishers. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody stated that clean beaches are central to the Government’s sustainable tourism policy and to improving coastal livelihoods. He said the removal of unauthorized coastal structures is carried out only after extended notice, consultation, and court-based procedures, with efforts to provide alternative livelihood options. He added that the Coast Conservation Department is undertaking a 6–7 month process to improve the coastline for tourism development. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana thanked the Deputy Minister for the response and highlighted that Sri Lanka’s coastline is environmentally sensitive and important for tourism. He raised concern that small coastal businesses in the south, including coconut sellers and surfing-related livelihoods, are being removed, and requested a programme that balances coastal protection with safeguarding local livelihoods and the tourism economy. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister of Environment, stated that artificial sand nourishment for the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia coastal area began on 16 April 2020 to address intensified erosion following the 2017 opening of the Kelani River mouth sand bar. He said the method was selected due to severe erosion risks identified in the 2018 Coastal Zone Management Plan and the area’s dense population, fisheries, and tourism activities. The project cost Rs. 180 million and has been completed. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Environment to provide details on the artificial coastal belt project in Mount Lavinia, including its commencement date, objectives, and expenditure to date. He also sought clarification on whether the project has been halted midway and what measures the Ministry plans to take regarding its future activities. Oral Question: Mount Lavinia Coastal Belt Project (Q.3) Read →
- 23 July 2025 Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over the eviction of around 1,000 farming families in Trincomalee from 800 acres cultivated since 1972, alleging the lands were handed to solar power ventures without due process and that farmers were intimidated through legal and police action. He requested compensation, permits for remaining lands or alternative fertile land, and an immediate halt to the expropriation, while clarifying that he was not opposing renewable energy. He tabled documents, newspaper reports and photographs, and urged Government MPs and authorities to provide solutions for residents of Taharavettuvan, Maththiyaveli and Muththunagar. He also began raising concerns from traders at the Thambuttegama Economic Centre about the management of economic centres, asking Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to address them. Debate: Companies (Amendment) Bill – Second Reading Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Ajith Gihan urged the Minister to intervene urgently over accelerating erosion, allocate necessary funds, and provide relief to affected people. Oral Question: Sea Erosion in Puttalam District (Q.9/2025 – 956/2025) Read →