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- 17 June 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged the Minister to expedite renewable energy initiatives, citing the risk of a worsening oil situation amid the Iran–Israel conflict. He asked why the Government was proceeding with renewables in the current manner and called for faster action at least until the international crisis is resolved. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake warned that Iran’s reported intention to close the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a fuel crisis and argued that Sri Lanka’s response should be to accelerate renewable energy. He said this was why he raised the matter earlier in the day, indicating concern that the issue was not being adequately addressed when brought up with ministers. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake briefly stated that solar power generation can be stored using battery systems. The remark points to the role of energy storage in supporting renewable electricity use. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody clarified that the Government is not reducing renewable energy generation in favour of fuel-based generation. He explained that solar power is available only during the day, while fuel generation may be used to meet minimum night-time demand when necessary. He stated that since taking office, the Government has not curtailed renewables to generate electricity from diesel or petroleum. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions should not be used to question or reduce renewable energy use. He said proposals had been submitted to retain sub-10 MW power supplies locally without foreign tenders, and requested that renewable energy usage be maintained at least at current levels. Procedural: Israel-Iran Conflict Discussion and Ministerial Statement on Energy Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Flood-prone rivers have already been studied, and a new flood mitigation programme based on those findings is expected to begin initial steps within about a week to ten days. The programme is intended to coordinate local authorities, relevant institutions, Members of Parliament, and the Department of Irrigation, consolidating existing data and assigning actions, funding sources, and institutional responsibilities for a long-term flood control plan. Oral Question Q.??/2024: Gin River Overflow and Flood Management Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Asked whether the Government will implement a target-driven programme to address recurring floods in areas such as Neluwa, Thawalama, Mapalagama, Nagoda, and Weliwitiya-Divithura, which he said are threatened two to three times a year. Oral Question Q.??/2024: Gin River Overflow and Flood Management Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the Ministry is reviewing issues in the preparation of studies related to the Gin–Nilwala Project, as well as studies on other flood-prone rivers including the Kelani. He said the Ministry, in consultation with the Department of Irrigation, is preparing a work plan to identify existing studies, assess their findings, and determine the necessary follow-up actions. Oral Question Q.??/2024: Gin River Overflow and Flood Management Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara JJB AI summary Hon. T.K. Jayasundara asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation for details on the impact of Gin River flooding in the Galle District and on post-2000 reports or feasibility studies prepared for flood control or related projects. He requested the names of the reports and institutions involved, expenditure and funding sources, and details of any implemented projects, including timelines, allocations, spending, implementing agencies, and outcomes. Oral Question Q.??/2024: Gin River Overflow and Flood Management Read →
- 17 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment tabled the 2024 Annual Performance Report of the Department of National Botanic Gardens. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Use of Resources, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Regulations, Annual Reports and Ministerial Consultative Committee Reports Read →
- 6 June 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana paid tribute to the late Kosala Nuwan Jayawira, describing his service as a young left-wing parliamentarian, student leader, environmental advocate, and representative of workers and local communities in Kegalle. He highlighted Jayawira’s work on free education, estate workers’ wages, anti-corruption efforts in local bodies, and his recent role in COPE addressing public finance losses and fraud. He also referred to World Environment Day initiatives in Kegalle, including plans to protect five forest systems and establish a sanctuary for the endemic “Bandula pethiya” fish, presenting these as causes Jayawira had supported. Debate: Votes of Condolence for Four Former MPs Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran supported the Adjournment Motion and raised concern over intensified illegal fishing in Mullaitivu and other Northern and Eastern sea areas, saying it is damaging marine resources and fishermen’s livelihoods. He criticised the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for insufficient enforcement, citing staff shortages and a recent incident in Kallappadu where residents seized six boats themselves before court action was taken. He requested urgent joint action by the Fisheries Department and the Navy, increased capacity to address enforcement gaps, and protection of fishing communities from illegal operators. Adjournment Motion: Prevention of Criminal Activities Affecting Livelihood of Fishermen of Ampara and Batticaloa Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake said the National Transport Commission’s School and Rural Services are being subsidized by Rs. 1.5–2.0 billion annually for routes where private buses are not viable, and asked Members to identify underserved localities while the Government works to improve reimbursement rates. He noted that 500 SLTB buses are being repaired, with about 300 already deployed, and invited proposals for feasible new inter-regional routes that reduce reliance on Colombo and other hubs. He also outlined action on unsafe railway level crossings, elephant-train collisions through visibility, signage and sensor pilots, and said the Government would address corruption in transport agencies, citing recent arrests at the Department of Motor Traffic. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. Deepthi Wasalage supported the amendment to the National Transport Commission Act, arguing that regulated, efficient public transport is essential for development and especially for women’s safety and dignity. She highlighted harassment in overcrowded buses, citing 289 reported incidents on public transport in 2024, and proposed measures including GPS and CCTV use, displayed WhatsApp complaint numbers, driver alcohol and drug checks, more buses and trains, women-only services, and improved sanitation at bus terminals. She also called for action on Matale’s inadequate bus stand and depot, better long-distance rest stops, and cleaner, more efficient transport to reduce emissions and private vehicle use, while noting ongoing work under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. Debate: National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 5 June 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe requested that canal works be expedited after the harvest and proposed extending the project up to the South Eastern University, which he said suffers flood damage and loss of books during floods. He asked when the works would commence. Oral Question: Main Canal from Deegawapiya to Kaliodai Reconstruction (Q.702/2025) Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka said flooding in the Kelani basin is a long-standing problem worsened by climate change and unplanned urbanization, requiring both immediate drainage measures and a long-term solution. He outlined ongoing or planned works including pumping stations for Colombo, the Hettiyagoda Oya drainage project in Kaduwela, the Oliyamulla pumping station, and drainage improvements linked to Kalu Oya for Wattala, Kadawatha, Horape and Ragama. He stated that the Government would seek Cabinet approval to establish a Task Force under the Prime Minister, with relevant MPs and institutions, to review past proposals and develop a sustainable basin-wide solution. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the Irrigation Department’s approach to flood control, noting repeated crop losses since November due to extreme rainfall and identifying 24 flood-prone river and stream basins. He said effective management requires better meteorological forecasting, early warning systems, and data-driven infrastructure such as diversions, reservoirs, and flood-management works. Referring to the World Bank-supported CResMPA project studying 22 high-risk basins and proposed works for the Kelani basin, he argued that fragmented institutional responsibility is the main obstacle and called for a unified coordination mechanism involving relevant central, provincial, and local authorities. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna supported the adjournment motion on flooding while arguing that recurrent flooding and water-management failures should be addressed islandwide rather than by locality. He cited flooding in Colombo South, displacement near the Iranamadu tank in Kilinochchi, alleged failures in the ADB-funded Iranamadu water project, and inadequate drainage in Nallur as examples. He also referred to a bribery inquiry concerning alleged diversion of cancer-related funds at Tellippalai Base Hospital to illustrate broader governance concerns, and endorsed the proposal to establish a special committee to study and address these issues nationally. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper argued that flooding should be addressed as part of broader climate-change-induced disaster management rather than as a problem limited to the Western Province or a single river basin. He called for scientific planning based on long-term rainfall and hydrological data, including possible measures such as improved outfalls, embankments, repumping retained water, and hydropower use where feasible. He proposed establishing a dedicated Parliamentary Oversight Committee to coordinate with officials and experts, align with UN Sustainable Development frameworks, and seek international funding for disaster risk reduction. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala seconded the motion, stating that the monsoon made the debate timely and noting the recurring flood risk in low-lying, densely populated areas around the Kelani, Kalu and Gin rivers, particularly in Gampaha and Colombo. He argued that annual relief measures are insufficient and called for long-term flood mitigation, including possible embankments with pumping systems or diversion of excess water to less vulnerable areas. He urged Members and residents to work together to implement existing proposals, including past studies on the Kelani and Kalu Ganga. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →