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- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary The Member raised concerns that NGJA-issued gem mining licences in Wellawaya are allegedly being used for large-scale sand trafficking in violation of licence conditions. She questioned why licences were not cancelled and asked for clarification on the NGJA’s use of a “settlement fee” mechanism that permits continued operations. Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority issued 7,897 gem mining licences in 2024, with 101 valid ordinary licences and 6 mechanized excavation permits in the Wellawaya DS Division as at 11 January 2025. He clarified that a Central Environmental Authority recommendation is not a statutory requirement under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act, No. 50 of 1993, though environmental reports may be obtained where concerns arise, identifying a gap in CEA oversight for environmentally sensitive areas. He noted that licences include environmental and operational conditions, with powers to suspend or cancel licences, police assistance against illegal activity, and confiscation of items used in offences, while acknowledging that enforcement has been weak and requires strengthening. Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani raised Question No. 489/2025 regarding licences issued for gemstone mining in the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat Division. The question sought official information on the issuance of such licences, likely including their number, locations, and regulatory oversight within the relevant area. Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary The Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that the Government has recognized solar power with battery storage as a policy priority and is developing a promotional tariff to attract investors, allowing daytime charging and nighttime supply to the grid. He said a committee is finalizing the framework, which will be submitted to Cabinet before announcement. He also noted that renewable energy proposals pending since February 2022 are legally complicated because projects below 10 MW require special PPAs while those above 10 MW must be procured through bidding, but the proposals have been grouped together. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody responded to questions on the CPC Chairman’s remuneration, stating that the current Chairman oversees CPC, CPSTL and Trinco Petroleum Terminals Limited but draws only the CPSTL salary, and denied misuse of insurance benefits. He outlined electricity-sector projects including the Habarana–Kappalthurai 220 kV transmission line, battery storage projects at Hambantota and Kolonnawa, and studies on Victoria/Randenigala hydropower expansion and pumped storage. He said amendments to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act are being prepared for completion by 27 June 2025 after consultations, and maintained that the Government does not intend to use emergency power procurement, instead selecting the lowest-cost available generation including CEB-owned diesel plants if necessary. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said he had already outlined the Government’s plan to achieve 2,000 MW of renewable energy within two years, including the projects and regions involved, and criticized repeated Opposition questions on the matter. He argued that the Opposition’s calls to avoid reducing renewable energy tariffs while also demanding lower electricity bills were inconsistent. He also cited fuel price reductions made in 2024, listing decreases across petrol, diesel, super diesel and kerosene, and stated that the Government had acted within its first few months of office under a five-year mandate. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath rejected claims made about solar development projects in Hambantota, stating they were based on media reports rather than District Coordinating Committee decisions. He said the Committee temporarily halted the projects on 23 December to investigate concerns involving Mahaweli, Wildlife and LRC lands and human-elephant conflict, but later decided, after consultations with experts and farmers, to release the lands and allow investors to recommence the projects. He maintained that the decision was taken to support national electricity supply while avoiding harm to local communities and the ecosystem. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Government is reforming the energy sector to reduce corruption, waste and entrenched supplier arrangements in the CEB and CPC, while ensuring uninterrupted fuel and electricity supply. He stated that renewable energy expansion is being prioritized, including rooftop solar improvements, land identification for large-scale solar, lower tariffs achieved for wind and solar projects, and forthcoming tenders for storage. He said fuel dealer margin and tax discount issues would be corrected through existing law and discussions, and rejected claims of a nationwide fuel shortage. He also announced that a new Electricity Act would be brought in 2025 to prevent privatization, reverse fragmentation of the CEB, consolidate its functions, and support lower-cost power generation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath addressed the 2025 Budget allocation for the Energy Ministry, questioning how the Government’s target of 70 per cent renewable generation by 2030 can be met in Batticaloa amid transformer capacity limits, delays in solar connections, and unclear district-level allocations. He highlighted CEB service constraints, including delays in three-phase connections for SMEs and shortages of engineers, meter readers, electrical superintendents, and field officers, and asked whether recruitment and infrastructure measures are being taken. He also raised concerns about the impact of reduced investor confidence and the reported exit of the Adani Group on Eastern Province energy development, and sought assurances on consistent, fair fuel and electricity distribution in the district. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister outlined the NPP Government’s proposed energy transition policy, emphasizing affordable, secure and clean energy, renewable generation, storage, and integration with global energy markets. He said planned measures include zoning land for renewable projects, developing wind and solar capacity in the Puttalam-Jaffna, North-East, and Monaragala-Hambantota areas, pursuing hydrogen and ammonia production, and procuring new renewable power at around USD 5 cents per kWh to reduce generation costs and electricity bills. He also stated that 2,500 MWh of battery storage and a pumped storage project in Kegalle are planned, and that a National e-Mobility Secretariat will be established to support electrification of transport as part of the 2050 net-zero pathway. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that reliable, affordable energy is central to economic growth and that Sri Lanka cannot depend solely on variable renewable sources such as wind and solar, but should combine them with LNG and improved grid capacity. He emphasized that transmission and distribution weaknesses require state-private investment and regulatory changes, including wheeling arrangements through the CEB to supply industrial users from dedicated renewable projects. He proposed accelerating battery storage and EV-related technologies to manage excess rooftop solar and provide nighttime power, and also suggested pursuing an electricity interconnection with India to create export opportunities. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake argued that electricity and petroleum pricing, sector finances, and infrastructure investment are central to economic growth, competitiveness, and modernization, noting the recent return to profitability of the CEB and CPC after large losses. He urged the Government to expedite India–Sri Lanka grid connectivity, consider oil pipeline links and use of Trincomalee oil tanks, and bring forward delayed power sector reform legislation, including possible private participation in transmission and distribution. He raised concerns about future generation costs, LNG delays affecting the Sobadanavi plant, rejection of the generation plan by the PUCSL, and the need for contingency planning, renewables, battery storage, and carbon trading. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera AI summary Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera supported the Ministry of Power and Energy vote, arguing that the Government’s production-based economic plan depends on expanding energy supply while retaining national assets and protecting the environment. He highlighted Budget priorities for renewable energy, including expected solar and wind generation, and referred to plans for a new Hambantota oil refinery and LNG/fuel trading hub to increase refining capacity and attract investment. He said the Government had implemented a 20 per cent electricity tariff reduction within three months, rejected Opposition claims about fuel shortages, and alleged that some fuel shed owners and politicians were resisting reduced margins. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara argued that previous governments failed to act on Sri Lanka’s substantial wind and solar energy potential, despite studies and opportunities dating back to 2003. He said the Government is pursuing plans for wind, solar, battery storage, pumped storage, hydrogen, ammonia and urea production, while restructuring stalled renewable energy Expressions of Interest, including a 3,000 MW target and temple solar projects. He also stated that future energy planning would address rising demand, grid stability, and forecasting through new technologies, with the aim of avoiding power cuts and positioning Sri Lanka as a South Asian energy hub. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development JJB AI summary Energy was presented as central to the Budget, economic development, and national security, with clarification that the Adani power proposal was referred for Cabinet review because of concerns over the agreed tariff of 8.26 US cents per kWh, while investment remains open and transparent. The Minister rejected claims of overcharging on fuel, stating that prices follow the formula, and called for authenticated evidence to be submitted for investigation where corruption is alleged. He outlined plans for a 2025 Energy Transition Act, a Results Delivery Framework for 2025-2026, and reforms including digitalized procurement, a green hydrogen agency, a National Energy Policy Planning Office, and land-use coordination. The policy objective is to reduce average energy costs by one-third within two to three years while moving towards 70 percent renewables and net-zero by 2050. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam questioned whether the Government’s handling of energy policy was leading to higher electricity tariffs and possible emergency power purchases, citing reports of drought-related price pressures and delays in renewable energy projects. He argued that the Government had failed to justify fuel pricing despite earlier claims about excessive taxes and commissions, and raised concerns about consistency with IMF revenue targets. He criticized the suspension of wind and solar projects, including the Adani wind project, saying it jeopardized the previous target of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and could increase reliance on thermal power. He also requested careful consideration of village land needs when allocating land for solar projects in Batticaloa, and urged implementation of pending District Coordinating Committee decisions on local issues. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticized the Government’s handling of the recent electricity blackout explanation and questioned whether commitments in its policy document had been implemented. He asked whether installment payment arrangements for electricity and water connection charges for low-usage households and MSMEs had been introduced after five months. He also cited the policy pledge to reduce electricity prices through competitive procurement and a shift to solar and wind power, arguing that household tariffs remain among the highest in South Asia. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake JJB AI summary Thanura Dissanayake said the Government’s priority in the power and energy sector is to stabilize supply, prevent recurring fuel and electricity breakdowns, and reduce costs through renegotiated renewable power purchase agreements. He said Sri Lanka should aim to export surplus renewable power only after achieving self-sufficiency, lower tariffs, and a coherent long-term plan. He outlined allocations for religious-place solar schemes, Colombo transmission upgrades including the Kerawalapitiya-Port underground line, and Rs. 20.7 billion in capital expenditure, while calling for strategic handling of Trincomalee oil tanks, petrol shed expansion, and investor agreements to maximize national benefit. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera raised a Point of Order challenging claims in the President’s Budget speech on energy policy, noting that page 21 lists four proposed items rather than ten. He questioned whether an energy hub or related policy had actually been established and argued that no new measures had been identified beyond the earlier “Solar Power Revolution” and the previously added 1,400 MW of capacity. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined progress on several energy-sector commitments in the “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” programme, including solar power expansion, wind power market development, refinery modernization, Trincomalee oil tank arrangements, fuel storage and distribution upgrades, sector restructuring, and solar installations for public and religious institutions. He stated that work had begun on 10 of 41 listed items within three months, amounting to 22 per cent progress, and said the remaining commitments would be pursued over the five-year period. He also said recent fuel queues were caused by panic rather than shortages, and that further discussions would continue to reach consensual and public-friendly outcomes. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →