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- 14 March 2025 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera requested that a relevant letter cited by the Minister be placed in the Library. He argued for transparent, competitive tenders for renewable energy projects, particularly wind and solar opportunities in Mannar and the Northern seas, noting that competition could secure lower prices while maintaining good relations with India. He questioned why the Government was not swiftly calling fresh tenders and tenders for remaining tracts through simple and transparent procurement processes. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 14 March 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the Adani Group wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn was intended to add 484 MW toward Sri Lanka’s target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030, and tabled the relevant MoU, Cabinet memoranda, decisions, and related documents. He said the project was treated as a government-to-government initiative under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act and that Cabinet decided on 30 December 2024 to re-evaluate it through appointed committees and seek the Attorney-General’s advice. He further informed Parliament that Adani had indicated on 12 February 2025 an intention to withdraw, and that the Ministry has sought and received a written position from Adani Green Energy SL Limited, which is now under study. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 14 March 2025 Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised Question 155/2024 seeking details of the Government’s agreement with the Adani Group on solar and wind power generation. He requested information on the terms of the agreement, pricing or tariff arrangements, project scope, implementation status, and any related approvals or procurement procedures. Oral Questions and Answers Read →
- 14 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment presented the 2022 Annual Report of the Marine Environment Protection Authority and moved that it be referred to the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committee. The motion was agreed to. Tabling of Annual Reports Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Nilwala salinity barrier, built as part of a Rs. 3,000 million water supply project intended to serve about 800,000 people, has caused serious post-construction flooding impacts, damaging more than 20,000 acres of farmland. He outlined immediate measures including widening openings, removing a temporary sandbag barrier, and clearing river obstructions, while a University of Peradeniya team will conduct a comprehensive study with input from engineers, farmers and the public. He said the Government will convene a broader discussion with Matara District MPs and allocate funds for a durable, scientifically based solution. Adjournment Motion: Mitigation of Floods Caused by Nilwala Salinity Barrier Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas seconded the Adjournment Motion on recurrent flooding in the Nilwala River basin, noting severe impacts on several Matara District divisional areas, paddy lands, public property, and towns. He questioned the effectiveness of the downstream salinity barrier and past incomplete river development projects, and proposed an expert committee including state agencies, engineers, and affected communities to identify solutions. He also suggested short-term relief measures such as partial removal of sheet piles near the salinity barrier and widening a temporary canal, while calling for speedy and sustainable flood, drinking water, and irrigation solutions. Adjournment Motion: Mitigation of Floods Caused by Nilwala Salinity Barrier Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama raised an Adjournment Matter on the salinity barrier constructed in 2022 in the lower reaches of the Nilwala River in Matara, stating that it has worsened flooding and disrupted livelihoods, transport, paddy cultivation and other activities across six downstream Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. He said the project had disregarded EIA and technical recommendations, reduced the river cross-section, and led to costly temporary measures, including over Rs. 100 million spent on pumping water. He called for an immediate joint process involving the Department of Irrigation, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, and farmer organizations to agree and implement corrective measures. Adjournment Motion: Mitigation of Floods Caused by Nilwala Salinity Barrier Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns over post-2009 land acquisition and forest reservation in the Vanni region by the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife Conservation, alleging that residential lands, paddy fields, irrigation areas, roads, and burial grounds had been gazetted without proper procedure or consultation. He cited district figures for Mullaitivu, including 167,487 acres declared as forest and 69,401 acres brought under wildlife-related designations such as Nandikadal, Nayaru, and Sundikkulam. He urged the Minister and Deputy Minister responsible for lands to review and remedy these land issues and to allocate adequate pastureland for large cattle populations in Mannar, Vavuniya, and Mullaitivu. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper highlighted recurrent flooding and irrigation failures affecting the Karavakuvattai paddy lands in Kalmunai, which he attributed to changes following the Gal Oya Dam, road reconstruction, altered drainage, and increased climate-related inflows. Citing agricultural and income data for Ampara and specific acreages of affected cultivation, he argued that the district’s farming economy is being significantly damaged by man-made infrastructure problems. He urged the Government to adopt as policy a long-term proposal, previously reflected in a JICA plan, to build a secondary downstream dam to regulate Gal Oya overflow, support irrigation and hydropower, and protect about 3,000 acres of paddy land. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said public opposition to the project reflects past experiences where similar initiatives burdened communities, and stated that the Government is proceeding cautiously through public engagement. He said environmental studies are being re-examined in consultation with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department, and that further discussions with affected people will be held before proceeding. He assured that no multi-purpose or other project would be implemented if it harms people or the environment. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said the Government intends to address bottlenecks in irrigation projects, including the Wee Oya Reservoir project and other stalled projects nationwide. He stated that while environmental concerns and public opposition would be considered, the Government would proceed through discussions with affected communities, provide relief, and ensure fair treatment and justice in any necessary relocation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera urged the Government to move beyond surveys and implement measures to control monkey-related crop damage, particularly in Kegalle, proposing sterilization, relocation, and a payment scheme for captured animals while rejecting culling as impractical. He said agricultural and home-gardening programmes would be undermined unless long-term action is taken to reduce losses, including the reported annual loss of coconuts and other crops. He also called for environmentally sensitive lands, including LRC and JEDB lands such as Nagastenna/Kandal Oya Estate in Yatiyantota, to be identified, gazetted, and protected from disposal or misuse under tourism or other pretexts. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa proposed a National Agricultural Policy and National Land Use Plan to modernize agriculture, improve productivity, attract youth, strengthen markets, and address human–wildlife conflict through zoning, technology, compensation, insurance, and community-based measures. He cited international examples including the Netherlands and Costa Rica to argue for investment in research, precision farming, value addition, sustainability, and coordinated ecosystem management. He questioned whether farm-gate pricing and cost-per-acre calculations properly reflect farmers’ real costs, disaster risks, and regional variations, and called for timely compensation for crop losses. He also said any wildlife census must be conducted properly through coordination among the Agriculture, Wildlife, Forest and other relevant agencies, rather than by the Agriculture Ministry alone. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha JJB AI summary Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha invited Members from both Government and Opposition to engage in a substantive debate on agriculture, emphasizing the sector’s particular vulnerability to climate conditions. He said he would listen to contributions, review the Hansard, and consider constructive proposals, including through cooperation with Opposition MPs, for the advancement of the sector. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined the Ministry of Science and Technology’s focus on applying technology to address malnutrition, rising non-communicable diseases, disability support, and rural access to innovation. He cited high-protein biscuits with commercialization potential, assistive devices for persons with disabilities, expanded use of Vidatha Resource Centres, and media officers to communicate science in plain language. He also emphasized inter-ministerial collaboration without unnecessary formal barriers and noted the Ministry’s allocations of Rs. 2.8 billion recurrent and Rs. 2.2 billion capital expenditure. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary The Minister said science and technology spending under the NPP Government would be treated as investment, with research funding directed to areas that raise income, earn foreign exchange, substitute imports, and support exports, including Rs. 1,000 million allocated for innovation and commercialization. He emphasized coordinating research institutions across ministries, avoiding duplication, and using scientific evaluation and policy briefs to translate research into policy. He cited ongoing work on human-elephant conflict, elephant-train collisions with domestically manufacturable braking and rail-gate technologies, fisheries productivity, evidence-based development of traditional medicine, commercialization of medical innovations, and renewable energy including solar and thermal resources. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the Digital ID programme during the debate on the Ministry of Digital Economy Votes, rejecting allegations that biometric data would be misused, sold, or transferred to India. He said biometric information would be stored as non-reversible hashed templates, with security support from Sri Lanka CERT, and announced that a Cyber Security Bill would introduce mandatory standards across government agencies. He stated that the programme would move from physical cards to a durable and eventually fully digital ID accessible through a DigiLocker app, while existing NICs remain valid during the transition. He argued that digitalization, led under the President’s portfolio, is central to improving public administration, reducing corruption and costs, and supporting economic growth. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. Anton Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody said the Government has more than doubled research funding and strengthened the Ministries of Science and Technology and Digital Economy with expert advisory support to better harness natural resources, including Eppawala phosphate, Pulmoddai mineral sands, biodiversity, environmental data, and rare-earth elements. He stated that a countrywide rare-earth survey is planned this year to assess their economic potential, particularly in relation to future technologies such as electric vehicles. He also rejected claims that chromium in lime used by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board could endanger drinking water, arguing that the cited figures were misleading and that public confidence in treated water should not be undermined by inaccurate comparisons. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Hon. Anton Jayakody spoke during the Committee Stage debate on the expenditure heads of the Ministries of Science and Technology and Digital Economy, focusing mainly on the need for research-based development of Sri Lanka’s natural resources. He noted that although the country has significant biodiversity, mineral resources, and gemstones, inadequate research, surveys, and resource management have contributed to underdevelopment and economic crisis. He also stated that the Government had contacted the Italian authorities regarding problems faced by Sri Lankans in Italy over driver’s licences and expected a resolution soon. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara argued that the Budget gives unprecedented emphasis to research and development, citing Rs. 20.9 billion for R&D and a separate Rs. 1,000 million Innovation and New Products Fund, while noting Sri Lanka’s low R&D spending compared with countries such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand. He called for stronger research grants, better oversight of bodies such as the NSF and NRC, rationalized use of expensive equipment through a central research facility, and systematic review of past research for commercialization and national impact. He proposed focusing research on agriculture, wildlife damage, patents, solar power, smart grids, AI-based transport systems, construction materials, health products and children’s creativity, with State support to scale innovations and build a productive economy. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →