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- 6 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary The Minister clarified that the water supply disruption was caused by silt and damage to the intake following Cyclone “Ditwah,” not by a coal crisis. He stated that a temporary line has been established and the immediate issue is being addressed, while the Government is expediting a permanent relocation of the intake in response to climate change impacts, though no precise completion date was given. Oral Question: Laggala Bus Station Facilities (Q.1/885/2025) Read →
- 5 May 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe questioned the Government on energy sector management, referring to earlier Opposition allegations of coal procurement fraud and claiming that about 15 coal shipments were not arriving. He also alleged that payments had been outstanding for five months to around 390 wind, solar and hydropower companies, amounting to over Rs. 12 billion, and called for an explanation. He criticised the Government’s broader economic performance, citing low growth and reserves. Adjournment Debate: Failure to Report Foreign Debt Repayment Diversion to Parliament Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake argued that the Opposition had not presented a specific, evidence-based charge against the Minister. He acknowledged, however, that electricity generation output from imported coal had been lower than expected and indicated willingness to address that issue further if necessary. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha questioned Minister Jayakody’s credibility by referring to alleged past misconduct involving a Provisional Acceptance Test report and employment-related action, and challenged him to deny it in the House. He alleged that problems at the Norochcholai power plant began after the current Government’s coal consignments and claimed the coal supplied was of historically poor quality. He demanded independent laboratory verification of the coal quality and alleged collective responsibility and protection by Government members for corruption in the procurement process. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir AI summary Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir stated that substandard coal had been brought to the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant, but argued that the wider environmental damage was a more urgent concern than allegations of fraud. He said fishing, agriculture and public health in areas from Karambewa to Kalpitiya had been affected by ash and coal dust, and urged the Environment and Health Ministers to investigate, including reported increases in cancer and respiratory disease. He also requested the Health Minister to expedite the opening of the hospital built in Kalpitiya to serve the local population. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposing a no-confidence motion debate on the Minister of Power and Energy, Sajith Premadasa alleged serious fraud in the importation of substandard coal and argued that the Minister’s position had become untenable. He cited PUCSL findings on reduced generation efficiency, low calorific value, increased fly-ash emissions, an estimated Rs. 8.497 billion loss from nine vessels, and risks of load shedding, and also referred to Auditor-General observations on unregistered suppliers, premature contracts, invalid quality accreditation, and emergency procurement issues. He further linked the coal issue to what he described as a government policy favouring fossil-fuel generation over renewable energy, stating that consumers face higher costs and weakened energy security. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara rejected Opposition claims of a “coal scam,” arguing that the Attorney General’s report shows the supplier met the registration requirement before bid submission and that any shortfall in the registration fee was a bank processing issue later settled. He said the Government was not defending any company but due process, and called for scrutiny of historical coal procurement irregularities, including past cargo deviations, penalties and alleged tender bypassing. He also defended the Government’s renewable energy record, citing an increase of about 1,000 MW in renewable capacity from 2024 to 2025, while noting plans for batteries, pumped storage and grid-stability measures. He urged that all coal shipments, past and present, be investigated, penalties recovered where applicable, and systems corrected to avoid public losses and power cuts. Debate: No-Confidence Motion Against Minister of Energy (Hon. Kumara Jayakody) Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled the Government’s response on measures for solid waste management, confirming daily collection, temporary non-decaying waste centres, public awareness, monitoring, inter-local authority programmes, and efficient use of sanitary landfill sites. He also stated that the Ashraff Nagar waste retention facility and related infrastructure had been assigned to Comt Bio Gas Oluvil under a conditional public-private partnership MOU for recycling and related waste-to-energy, biogas, and compost activities, following a General Council decision on 17 March 2026. Oral Questions: Second Round and Supplementary Questions Read →
- 10 April 2026 The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that two housing projects begun in 2018, Gunapala Tissakuttiarachchi Village and Denison Edirisinghe Village, each with 24 houses and Rs. 2.16 million spent, cannot continue because the lands fall within protected wildlife and elephant habitat; the Divisional Secretary has been asked to identify alternative land. In response to supplementary questions on wider housing schemes in Hambantota affected by wildlife lands and human-elephant conflict, he said discussions had been held with district and ministry officials and that 842 habitable houses out of an original 1,200 are to be commenced with Indian assistance. He further said irregularities, including improper allotments to persons from Colombo District, are being investigated by an appointed committee, and action would be taken after the inquiry. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions in First Round (Q.2, Q.3, Q.4 and others) Read →
- 9 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on allegations that substandard coal supplied by Trident Chemphar Limited to the Lakvijaya Power Plant had reduced generation efficiency, increased coal consumption, created fly ash issues, and forced costly use of diesel and furnace oil. He requested vessel-wise data comparing Trident’s coal with the previous supplier on generation capacity, consumption rates, calorific value, fly ash output, delivery schedules, and losses. He also asked whether tender criteria were relaxed, whether the supplier was properly registered, what legal and technical advice was obtained, and how the Government would ensure uninterrupted peak-time electricity supply and recover any losses. Second Round of Oral Questions and Ministerial Statements Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised concerns over rising essential food prices, particularly the lack of effective price control for Keeri Samba rice, and urged the Government and Consumer Affairs Authority to ensure fair prices for both consumers and paddy farmers. He called for a permanent, non-discriminatory solution to the long-standing garbage dumping issue at Salambaikulum in Vavuniya, warning against racializing the matter and asking local politicians to support alternative arrangements within one month. He also commented on international developments involving the United States, Iran, Israel and Palestine, expressing hope for fair talks and criticizing actions he said had worsened regional tensions. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara defended the Government’s coal procurement process, arguing that it attracted unprecedented bidding, followed proper testing at loading, discharge and plant stages, and included penalties or recoveries where contractual issues arose. He contrasted this with alleged past irregularities in coal purchases, disaster resettlement, and public enterprise management under previous administrations, while stating that current housing and relief measures were being completed or funded without money printing. He also rejected links between coal issues and electricity tariff decisions, outlined planned investments in solar integration, batteries and pumped storage, and said CEB restructuring would reduce tariffs without privatizing key State entities. Adjournment Debate: Mitigate the Impact of Middle Eastern War on Sri Lanka's Economy Read →
- 8 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi responded to concerns about Department of Archaeology activity in several Eastern Province sites, stating that the Department is not a Buddhist-only institution and that archaeological regulation applies to heritage of all religious backgrounds. He addressed Koneswaram/Fort Frederick, Thanthamalai, Nelkalmalai and Kuchchaveli, saying temple worship had not been restricted, certain practical works could proceed after statutory assessments, and allegations of new constructions or approvals would be verified. He said unauthorized structures in archaeological reserves are a wider national issue to be handled under law and relevant standards, and undertook to improve consultation with local authorities, issue communications in Tamil in Tamil-speaking areas, and deploy adequate Tamil-speaking staff. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister provided details on the Clean Sri Lanka Programme, including the membership of its Task Force, expenditure of Rs. 2,497.41 million against a Rs. 5,050 million 2025 allocation, and reported financial and physical progress of 49.5 per cent and 69.86 per cent respectively by 31 December 2025. She stated that coordination structures have been established from national to village level, largely with voluntary participation, while experts, institutions, civil society, private sector actors and international partners contribute technical, financial and labour support. She also outlined donation mechanisms, related legal and administrative measures, digital and media outreach activities, and examples such as urban forests and canal plastic-reduction initiatives. Written Answers to Questions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for details on the “Clean Sri Lanka” Presidential Task Force, including its current membership, projects implemented and completed, total and project-wise expenditure, and progress on tasks I to IX listed in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2415/59 of 19 December 2024. He also sought reasons if the requested information could not be provided. Written Answers to Questions Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised concerns over repeated “service requirement” teacher transfers in the Northern Province, noting court and Human Rights Commission interventions, and asked the Government to ensure accountability, equal access to education, and urgent remedies for affected students. On the anti-doping regulations, he welcomed alignment with international standards after Sri Lanka’s WADA non-compliance listing, but questioned whether athletes in all districts, especially the Vanni and Mullaitivu, would receive equal awareness, facilities, coaching, nutrition, sports medicine and monitoring. He requested compulsory island-wide anti-doping education before enforcement, improved sports infrastructure and resources for Mullaitivu, and corrections to typographical and drafting errors in the relevant Gazette, tabling a list of issues. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake supported approval of the Order under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, noting that the updated prohibited substances list published by Gazette is part of Sri Lanka’s obligations to maintain fair competition and support athletes. He said the Government intends to strengthen sports development, including athletics and cricket, and argued that cricket requires systemic change free from undue influence. On the economic measures, including the Social Security Contribution Levy amendment and related financial instruments, he stated that the Government has not imposed new burdensome taxes, defended its relief and stabilization efforts, and said further tax and policy adjustments are necessary for economic recovery and international engagement. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition said the Government’s relief package followed opposition protests and urged that it be implemented promptly, citing earlier unmet pledges to victims of Cyclone “Michaung.” He questioned the adequacy and economic basis of the proposed Rs. 100 billion package, argued that IMF negotiations should have sought greater flexibility in light of recent crises, and requested that international partners be allowed to meet all political parties freely. He also raised concerns over substandard coal and reduced output at Lakvijaya, and demanded expanded relief, particularly for LPG-using households, noting that the package represents only a small share of claimed budgetary savings from higher taxes. Debate: Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill and Related Orders - Continuation (Post-Lunch) Read →
- 7 April 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman asked the Minister of Energy for details on the planned waste-to-energy power plant at Karadiyana, which serves waste disposal needs of several Colombo District local authorities. He sought confirmation of the project, the expected electricity generation, expenditure incurred to date, and the current status of construction, requesting reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Construction of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Karadiyana (Q.842/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2026 Hon. Arkam Ilyas JJB AI summary Hon. Arkam Ilyas stated that a high-level committee has been appointed by the Power Ministry with relevant ministries to study the electrification of transport using renewable energy. He said Hon. Kariapper’s proposals would be considered by the committee, assessed for practicality, and pursued where feasible. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →