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- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment responded to a question on the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s staffing position, stating that the approved cadre, officers in post, and vacancies as at 31 March 2026 were provided in annexes. He said vacancies had arisen due to recruitment restrictions and retirements, but recruitment action was under way, including examinations for Wildlife Park Rangers and Wildlife Guards, appointments to Storekeeper posts, and the deployment of Electric Fence Maintenance Assistants and Civil Security Department personnel to human-elephant conflict areas. He also stated that vehicle procurement had resumed following a policy change permitting imports, with pickups, tractors and motorcycles being procured for the Department. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Rohana Bandara asked the Minister of Environment to state whether the Department of Wildlife Conservation is recognized as an important department, and to provide details of its approved cadre, current staffing levels, and vacancies by position. He also requested information on measures being taken to fill vacancies and supply necessary resources, particularly in the context of the escalating human-elephant conflict. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 Department of Wildlife Conservation: Vacancies AI summary The matter raised concerns vacancies in the Department of Wildlife Conservation under Question No. 588/2025. It appears to seek information from the relevant minister or authority regarding staffing shortages in the Department and any action being taken to fill the vacant positions. Oral Questions: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Other Questions Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara supported the motion on addressing problematic tree species, urging rigorous scientific research into their impacts on water resources in the central highlands, Uva and Sabaragamuwa. He called for scientific, community-based removal and restoration with indigenous biodiversity, warning against replacing such areas with eucalyptus or pine and against the use of burning. Citing pine plantations around Haldummulla and reduced dry-season flows at Bambarakanda and other waterfalls, he said restoration was necessary for environmental protection and future generations. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported Hon. Ravindra Bandara’s motion, noting that Sri Lanka’s pine plantations began in 1967 following earlier research and policy influences, reaching about 16,000 hectares by 1999 and providing timber, pulp and some foreign exchange savings. He said pine has since caused environmental concerns, including high water uptake, reduced rainfall percolation from needle litter, lowered groundwater and loss of biodiversity through monoculture. He stated that pine should be phased out, with current removal of 200–300 hectares annually reviewed by a committee including the NBRI, CEA, Forest Department and Water Resources Board to guide removal and replacement with suitable native broadleaf species. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir supported the motion, arguing that tree-planting policies should prioritise species suited to Sri Lanka’s varied climate and local needs. He said fast-growing trees planted in school “green revolution” programmes in Ampara had become hazardous, damaging buildings, while principals lacked funds and authority to remove them and State Timber Corporation procedures were slow and costly. He proposed arrangements to remove dangerous trees and encouraged planting economically useful or native species, including along riverbanks, to support local production and national benefit. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara JJB AI summary Hon. Padmasiri Bandara seconded the motion and argued that pine and eucalyptus plantations have caused significant ecological damage in Sri Lanka, particularly in the central highlands, while contributing little to national timber demand. He stated that these invasive plantings destroy habitats, affect water sources and downstream agriculture, and may destabilize slopes after felling. He called for their systematic removal. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara requested three minutes from his next speaking slot to continue his remarks. He emphasized the need for phased strip removal, soil recovery, and community-led restoration to restore hydrology and biodiversity. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara moved a resolution calling for pine plantations, particularly in the hill country and Uva Province, to be removed and replaced with productive indigenous cultivations due to their impact on water sources and ecosystems. He argued that pine and eucalyptus plantations disrupt biodiversity, soil health, and hydrological cycles, contributing to erosion, reduced springs, and fire risk, while earlier promised economic benefits had not materialized. He proposed a phased, scientific removal process over five to six years, using strip removal, soil rehabilitation, community participation, and gradual restoration of native forest. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.50/2025 - Formulating a Methodology to Prevent Damage Caused by Pine Plantations to Water Sources Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Emergency is being maintained only to ensure uninterrupted public services and accelerate recovery following Cyclone “Ditwah” and the Middle East conflict, rejecting allegations that it has been used to detain youths, prevent gatherings, or support anti-narcotics operations. She outlined progress in relief payments for affected households, displaced families, schoolchildren, farmers, livestock owners, inland fishers, and boat owners, citing high disbursement rates across most schemes. She said infrastructure restoration, including housing, highways, and railways, is being carried out with disaster risk reduction and scientific siting, and argued that the Emergency is being used to deliver relief and services efficiently rather than to protect the Government or oppress citizens. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary During the Emergency debate, Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir urged the State Minister of Defence to address safety risks around the Sea Cadet training camp on the Kalpitiya peninsula, where Air Force training has allegedly caused bombs to fall and damage affecting fishermen, farmers, tourists, and residents. He asked for measures to protect people within the surrounding 10–15 km area, particularly during adverse winds, and to ensure justice for affected residents in the economically important region. He also requested action under the Emergency to maintain peace during Qurbani and prevent extremist-related tensions. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir addressed the resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to extend the emergency for providing relief and compensation to those affected by the Ditha cyclone. He said public debate had been dominated by competing claims between the government and opposition, but the central issue was whether promised assistance had reached affected people. He referred to the President’s earlier assurances of substantial compensation for damaged houses, land and roofing, and questioned whether all affected persons had in fact received relief, noting that several Members had raised similar concerns. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 2 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs AI summary Moved approval of the President’s Proclamation under the Public Security Ordinance and a related Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act, citing the emergency response to Cyclone “Ditcha.” He said the measures enabled coordination of essential services, appointment of a Commissioner General of Essential Services, and implementation of a Rs. 500 billion recovery programme, detailing payments for resettlement, equipment, subsistence, rent, housing reconstruction, agriculture, fisheries and livestock losses. He stated that relocation decisions are being guided by NBRO safety certification and that the emergency powers have been used only for disaster relief and essential services, requesting a one-month extension to complete remaining relief and reconstruction work. Debate and Approval: Public Security Ordinance Extension (Emergency) - Part 1 Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe acknowledged serious difficulties in rural community-managed water schemes, noting that nearly half of the 3,800–4,000 schemes under the National Community Water Department face problems due to the Department’s lack of statutory authority, staffing, and technical capacity. He stated that draft legislation to empower the Department would be brought to Parliament, enabling government intervention in such schemes, and that Cabinet-approved structural reforms are being implemented. He also said an action plan would be prepared within months and committed to revisiting affected districts, including Vavuniya, to develop a programme with local representatives. Oral Question 9: Community Water Supply Schemes in Vavuniya Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody said special attention would be given to the waste accumulation in the rock pit water settling tank and that disposal is now being handled properly in coordination with Clean Sri Lanka through a bio-based development approach. He outlined the five main functions of the Department of National Zoological Gardens and, in response to a question on breeding and conservation, stated that a crocodilian breeding programme using artificial insemination is underway, despite an unsuccessful first attempt, with similar initiatives planned for other animals. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda raised concerns about poor waste management and declining cleanliness and attractiveness at the Dehiwala Zoo, citing observations from a visit four months earlier. He requested continued action to improve the zoo’s condition and asked whether a breeding or conservation research unit for endangered species would be established there, similar to those in developed countries. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody, answering for the Minister of Environment, stated that waste at the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens is managed through segregation, recycling, composting, incineration of meat waste, and disposal to the Karadiyana landfill, with a Black Soldier Fly larvae composting pilot project planned. He outlined visitor dining facilities, said no new structures are currently required beyond routine repairs and renovations, and provided recent monthly income and recurrent expenditure figures for 2025 and early 2026. He also detailed 2026 development plans under the Department of National Zoological Gardens, including underground cabling, road and staff quarters renovations, CCTV installation, animal enclosure and visitor facility improvements, aquarium and quarantine centre design work, and other infrastructure upgrades under a Rs. 218 million allocation. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Asked the Minister of Environment whether he is aware of improper waste disposal at the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwala. He also questioned whether the existing dining facilities for visitors are considered suitable and, if not, whether steps will be taken to construct appropriate facilities. Oral Question 8: Waste Disposal at National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment presented the National Environmental (Amendment) Bill to amend the National Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1980. The Bill was ordered to be printed, scheduled for Second Reading on 20 May 2026, and referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability. Bills Presented Read →
- 6 May 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on the impact of Cyclone “Ditwah” on the 2025/26 Maha season and the risk to the 2026 Yala cultivation, noting reduced cultivated extent, crop damage, and possible rice shortages. He asked the Agriculture Minister for official rice production and availability forecasts, district-wise details of relief and compensation, and measures to ensure timely Yala cultivation in severely affected Northern, Eastern and Central Province districts. He also highlighted delays and inadequacies in fertilizer distribution, especially in Batticaloa, and urged urgent action to prevent farmers being forced to buy fertilizer privately at higher prices. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Points of Order Read →