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- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana moved an Adjournment Motion calling for a sustainable flood control programme for the Kelani Valley, citing repeated flooding in areas including Kolonnawa, Kaduwela, Homagama, Awissawella, Kelaniya, Biyagama and Dompe. He argued that climate change and intensified monsoon rainfall have increased flood frequency and imposed major social, economic and fiscal costs, including Rs. 53.5 billion in relief expenditure after the 2016 floods. He proposed a coordinated mechanism involving relevant State agencies, experts and people’s representatives to move beyond ad hoc relief towards permanent flood mitigation solutions. Adjournment Motion: Sustainable Solution for Flood Control in Kelani Valley Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala supported the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act, stating that they were based on a detailed review of Act No. 9 of 2022 and are intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital economy in line with GDPR principles. He emphasized protections for sensitive personal data, including biometric, genetic, health, religious, political and other categories, and highlighted rights such as access, rectification, erasure, withdrawal of consent and objection to processing. He also linked data protection to broader national responsibility, referring to biodiversity protection measures such as the Nilgala Dome declaration and a reserve for the “Bandula Pethiya” fish in Kegalle. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 3 June 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Welcoming the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised district-level concerns in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya, including recent drownings in Mullaitivu and requested swimming pools and swimming instruction in larger schools. He asked that national management service officer vacancies be filled, where possible, by candidates from the relevant districts, particularly in the Vanni. He urged immediate coastal protection for Vankalai and other affected areas in Mannar, citing severe erosion, livelihood losses, illegal activities and local requests for additional protective structures. He also alleged unresolved resettlement and land access problems in Mullaitivu due to gazetting by the Forest, Wildlife and Archaeology Departments, specifically referring to displaced families from AC Farm in Thanduvan who have not been resettled. Debate: Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa tabled an answer identifying 24 rivers and streams under constant flood threat, including the Kelani, Kalu, Mahaweli, Gin and Nilwala rivers. He detailed domestic and foreign-funded flood control and resilience projects, including Gin Ganga and Kelani protection works, World Bank-supported CRIP, CResMPA and IWWRMP programmes, with associated funding amounts. The answer stated that no projects had failed, though the Deduru Oya Flood Prevention Project was halted after two of three planned phases due to political and social conditions in the 1980s. Oral Question Second Round: Physical Training Instructors and Other Matters (Tabled Answers) Read →
- 23 May 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide details on crop damage caused by adverse weather in November 2024, including total affected land area, breakdown by paddy, maize and other crops, and the estimated financial loss. He also requested information on compensation paid by crop category, the extent of damaged cultivated land still awaiting compensation, and the reasons for any non-payment. Oral Question 1: Crop Damage and Compensation (Q.72/2024) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary The Hon. Anton Jayakody said the Government is studying how sand deposits along the shoreline can be used with minimal environmental harm. He stated that, in coordination with the District Development Committee, the Ministry and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, sand permits will be issued in the Eastern Province to help meet national demand and control prices while minimizing environmental damage. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 22 May 2025 The Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka asked the Deputy Minister why sand-mining permits had not been issued for about five months in the Pillumalei, BAC, Muttur and Valikanda areas despite current demand. He sought clarification on what action is being taken and whether permits will be issued for those areas. Oral Question: Sand Mining Permits and Stray Dog Control (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 21 May 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake raised an urgent question under Standing Order 27(2) on the February 2025 nationwide power outage, noting that PUCSL had rejected the CEB’s explanation blaming high solar penetration and had initiated an independent inquiry. He questioned the consistency of curtailing rooftop solar while approving procurement of 152 MW of solar power at international pricing, arguing that this creates uncertainty and may disadvantage local renewable energy providers. He asked the Energy Minister for generation cost comparisons, justification for international solar procurement, reforms to ensure fair access for Sri Lankan providers, limits on foreign competition for smaller NCRE projects, the status of LNG import plans, and whether electricity tariffs will rise under cost-reflective pricing. Oral Questions - Various Tabled and Private Notice Questions Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary The Hon. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported the Adjournment Motion and said past use of Forest Department powers, including in 2014, had resulted in privately claimed lands being declared as forest, with some only now being released. He urged the authorities to allow sufficient time to verify whether affected lands are genuinely forest, release lands wrongly gazetted, and avoid issuing further forest-related Gazettes until people’s long-held lands, homesteads, tanks, and cultivated plots are properly excluded. Adjournment Motion: Land Settlement Gazette Notification 2430/2025 (Tamil Lands in North and East) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva criticized the Government for reversing energy sector reforms and said renewable energy had been undermined by tariff decisions, including reducing a unit rate from Rs. 20 to Rs. 14. He alleged that incorrect cost data on Sobadanavi purchases had been presented to Cabinet, contrasting it with PUCSL figures of Rs. 45 to Rs. 72 per unit, and warned this would benefit diesel-based interests. He opposed any closed-door 18 percent electricity tariff increase, urging the Government to recalculate and stating that any necessary increase should be limited to about 3–4 percent. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected claims that the Government is discouraging electric vehicles or renewable energy, stating that policy decisions must account for issues such as EV battery disposal and environmental impacts. She clarified that expected revenue from vehicle imports is around Rs. 400 billion, not Rs. 750 billion, and said COPF data and first-quarter results indicate targets are being met. She described the measure as aimed solely at increasing state revenue. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The Member stated that the Gazette debated was issued on 31 January 2025 as part of the tax policy formulated when vehicle imports were permitted, and is now before Parliament for approval after consideration by the Committee on Public Finance. She rejected claims that it was a new or reversed policy, explaining that it includes excise measures on electric vehicles. She argued that the increased EV excise is intended to address declining revenue as EV imports rise, while maintaining that the overall tax burden on EVs remains lower than on petrol and diesel vehicles. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the Government’s vehicle import tax regulations under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, citing Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/42 of 31 January 2025 as a measure to permit imports after five years while protecting foreign reserves, revenue, and macroeconomic stability. He said the framework applies lower excise rates to electric vehicles than to petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, exempts certain electric three-wheelers, and factors in model year, motor capacity and environmental impact. He also responded to Opposition criticism on tax policy and local government results, asserting the National People’s Power’s mandate and challenging opponents to name their proposed Colombo Mayor and Deputy Mayor. He linked the regulations to IMF-supported reserve management and argued that the Government must proceed cautiously within the Extended Fund Facility programme. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister justified the increase in excise tax on imported electric vehicles as a revenue-raising measure adopted in the context of economic recovery, arguing that it avoids placing additional taxes on essential goods. She said limited vehicle imports would help revive the motor trade, provide opportunities for eligible importers and permit holders, and generate funds for development, welfare, and state priorities while protecting foreign reserves through import limits. She also defended the Government’s collective responsibility for difficult decisions, stated its willingness to correct mistakes, and rejected allegations of corruption or deliberate harm to the public. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Nimal Palihena JJB AI summary Hon. Nimal Palihena supported the Gazette regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act revising electric vehicle taxes, arguing that it narrows disparities with petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicle taxes while still leaving EVs at comparatively lower rates. He said the broader vehicle import policy is being reopened in stages to balance personal mobility and industrial needs against foreign reserve constraints, while also encouraging locally produced or assembled EVs. He linked the measure to the Government’s revenue requirements, IMF-related VAT commitments, and the need to restructure loss-making State enterprises, stating that contingency planning and limited imports may be necessary in sectors such as salt. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB AI summary In the debate on revising taxes on imported electric vehicles, the Member supported maintaining revenue measures while allowing luxury EV imports, arguing that EV taxes would remain lower than those on petrol, diesel, or hybrid vehicles and that revenue could fund public programmes. He also called for protection of domestic electric vehicle manufacturers and assemblers as vehicle imports resume after the economic crisis. Responding to Opposition claims, he rejected allegations of genocide by the armed forces, said wartime-acquired lands in the North and East had been or would be released where ownership was verified, and argued that the current Government was giving due recognition to war veterans. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Jagath Vithana opposed the regulation under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, arguing that sharply increasing taxes on electric vehicles undermines the shift to environment-friendly transport and may reduce demand rather than raise revenue. He proposed alternative revenue and industry-support measures, including temporarily suspending sugar imports to sell Kantale Sugar Factory stocks and importing copra or raw nuts instead of coconut oil to support local mills. He also called for EV charging points at fuel stations and urged practical policymaking in transport, referencing the recent fatal bus accident and rejecting proposals to require passengers to change buses mid-route as impractical. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP AI summary Hon. Namal Rajapaksa criticized the Government’s tax policy as inconsistent and revenue-driven, citing repeated tax increases and changes to vehicle and EV import duties despite earlier promises of affordability. He argued that higher EV taxes and equal treatment of locally manufactured electric vehicles, such as Vega’s three-wheeler, undermine domestic production and clean transport. He also accused the Government of moving away from renewable energy toward coal and diesel, referencing delays in solar grid connections, lack of approvals for renewable projects, and recent reliance on fossil fuel generation. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB AI summary Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne said Sri Lanka’s post-war reconciliation efforts had been inadequate and called for a credible transitional justice process covering truth, justice, reparations, non-recurrence, economic justice, remembrance rights, constitutional reform, and action against extremist ideologies and hate crimes. Addressing the Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act and Gazette No. 2421/42, she proposed revising excise duty bands for electric vehicles while keeping them below comparable petrol, diesel, and hybrid rates. She said the policy aims to raise transparent public revenue, support social justice, encourage domestic EV production, reduce foreign exchange outflows, promote environmental benefits, and be complemented by stronger public transport investment. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →
- 20 May 2025 The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary The speech defended the Government’s revision of taxes on electric vehicles as part of a cautious reopening of the vehicle market after the economic crisis and import restrictions. It argued that while EVs support environmental goals and have lower operating costs, increased demand must be managed because Sri Lanka’s electricity supply still relies significantly on thermal generation and renewable capacity, including storage-backed solar, needs expansion. The Member said the tax adjustment was a Treasury and Finance decision intended to stabilize the market, protect foreign reserves, support economic recovery, and proceed prudently rather than burden consumers. Debate: Order under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act - Electric Vehicle Tax Revision (Continued) Read →