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 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka outlined the Government’s energy strategy, emphasizing expansion of wind and solar generation, the need to strengthen grid stability, and the use of Sri Lanka’s location to become a regional energy hub. He said refinery development at Hambantota and Sapugaskanda, Trincomalee tank farm utilization, LNG trading plans, and international storage partnerships are being pursued to support exports, fuel security, and foreign exchange savings. He also linked energy infrastructure to wider economic priorities, including fertilizer production from refinery by-products and improved aviation fuel supply for tourism growth. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary Minister Anura Karunathilaka placed Sri Lanka’s energy sector in the context of rising global energy demand and the shift toward clean energy and net-zero policies. He noted that international commitments are expected to reduce fossil-fuel use after 2025–2030, citing decisions by several countries to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, restrict new oil exploration, and limit coal-based power generation. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam addressed the Energy Ministry budget allocation and supported the Government’s renewable energy target of 70 per cent by 2030, while urging stronger implementation in the North and East. He raised concerns over the Mannar wind power project, including alleged lack of transparency, inadequate community benefits, CSR misuse, and flooding linked to blocked drainage during Phase I, and requested ministerial intervention. He proposed expanded solar farms on unused state lands, grid and transformer upgrades to enable rooftop solar, free electricity connections for vulnerable households, concessional tariffs for small producers, and subsidized fuel for war-affected farmers and fishers. He also called for adequate CEB and Ministry staffing in the North and East, citing the absence of a dedicated CEB Engineer in Kilinochchi. 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 outlined the 2025 allocations under Head 119, noting Rs. 21.14 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 20.07 billion for capital expenditure, with recurrent spending reduced by 43 per cent from 2024. He detailed capital projects for transmission upgrades, waste-to-energy, rooftop solar, island hybrid renewable systems, Atomic Energy Board capacity, and the Kerawalapitiya-Colombo Port transmission line, while also listing externally financed hydro, solar, floating solar, wind, nuclear, and thermal generation projects. He stated that the Government targets 1,972 MW of renewable energy additions over the next two years and is also advancing petroleum-sector projects including the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, Sapugaskanda refinery modernization, and proposals for a new refinery. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment tabled a detailed answer on the human-elephant conflict, citing the 2011 survey figure of 5,879 elephants and providing data on elephant and tusker deaths for 2020-2024. The response identified land-use practices, chena cultivation, cattle encroachment, illegal forest entry, crop proximity to protected areas, and paddy storage in houses as key drivers, noting that about half of annual human fatalities are linked to negligence. Measures outlined included expansion and maintenance of electric fencing, deployment of Civil Security personnel and development assistants, use of elephant crackers, compensation payments, GPS collaring, corridor protection, removal of problem elephants, community awareness, and habitat management. The Minister also listed pilot technologies such as locally produced energizers, acoustic and smoke repellents, drones, bee-sound systems, and improved fence designs to assess their effectiveness in reducing conflict. Oral Question: Wild Elephants and HEC Deaths (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe (on behalf of the Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera) JJB AI summary Darmapriya Wijesinghe, on behalf of Ruwan Wijeweera, asked the Minister of Environment to provide data on Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population and the annual number of wild elephants and tuskers killed due to human-elephant conflict from 2020 to 2024. He also requested an explanation of the main causes of the conflict and the measures being taken to control it, or reasons if the information could not be provided. Oral Question: Wild Elephants and HEC Deaths (Q.6/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government is monitoring industrial park operators through park committees and will support viable closed or distressed enterprises with financial and technical assistance, including coordination with banks and relevant Budget provisions. He stated that recovery plans are being requested from closed operators and that, where feasible, they will be encouraged to restart operations before any reallocation is considered. Oral Question: Industrial Parks in Sri Lanka - Current Status (Q.5/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said environmental impacts related to industrial activity, including landslide-prone areas, flood plains and flood-prone zones, are being examined jointly by the Environment Ministry, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Industry Ministry. He stated that a national framework is being prepared to update and define standards, enable rapid enforcement against non-compliance, and strengthen permit supervision, with national presentation expected shortly. Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman raised concerns that unregulated mining has caused landslides in Lunugala. He asked whether the Ministry is pursuing legal amendments and reforms to regularize and develop the mining industry, and requested the current status of those efforts. Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the gem mining sector faces regulatory, legal, and land rights issues linked to past political interference and varying scales of mining activity. He noted that unpaid security deposits had required the Authority to spend Rs. 11 million in 2024 to close and rehabilitate pits. He said the Government is establishing oversight mechanisms from the District Secretary to Divisional Secretariat level and a legal support team under the Authority to strengthen enforcement and supervision. Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman raised concerns about licensed and unlicensed mining in Badulla, alleging past political interference, environmental damage, and social tensions in villages. He asked whether the Ministry would establish a proper regulatory process for future mining activities, including recommendations from Divisional Secretaries and better coordination among relevant authorities. Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 3 March 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, figures were provided on gem-mining permits issued by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority from 2020 to 2024, rising from 4,665 in 2020 to 7,897 in 2024, with a peak of 8,286 in 2023. For Badulla District, 1,434 licensed gem mines were reported for 2021-2024 across DS Divisions, with the highest numbers in Lunugala, Haldummulla and Passara, and active mines increasing from 181 in 2021 to 434 by end-2024. It was also stated that lists of mines properly closed and backfilled according to standards for 2020-2024, including licensee and site details, have been compiled and are available with the Authority. Oral Question: Gem-Mining Permits (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned inconsistencies between stated Government policy, the Minister’s explanation, and CEB actions on electricity pricing. He asked why renewable energy unit rates had been reduced from about Rs. 30 to Rs. 18–20 despite cost revisions suggesting around Rs. 40, warning that this destabilizes investors. He said the issue has persisted at the CEB for years and emphasized that consumers should benefit from any pricing decisions. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary A Cabinet sub-committee has been appointed to examine the matter, and action will be taken based on its report. The Minister said the average renewable energy tariff of Rs. 18.99 reflects lower prices achieved through competitive procurement, despite higher tariffs in some legacy projects, and that this approach will continue to reduce costs. On fuel-related concerns, he stated that the Government is correcting unlawful practices dating from 2019 to prevent misuse of public funds and protect tax revenue, with further clarification expected from the State Minister of Finance. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody responded to questions under Standing Order 27(2) on renewable energy planning, stating that the CEB’s Long-term Generation Expansion Plan 2025–2044 is aligned with the target of 70% renewable generation by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. He outlined tariff-setting procedures for rooftop solar and projects below 10 MW, emphasized periodic reviews and competitive procurement, and said the PUCSL had raised concerns on some input parameters but had not rejected the plan. He cited planned renewable projects including Sampur solar, Mannar wind and Mullikulam wind, gave projected capacity additions and 2025 generation cost figures, and stated that demand is expected to grow by about 5% annually with no emergency power purchases anticipated. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns that the PUCSL had rejected the CEB’s 2025-2030 Least Cost Long-term Generation Expansion Plan due to inconsistencies with the National Energy Policy, and tabled the PUCSL’s letter. He questioned the Government on CEB resistance to renewable energy, tariff structures for renewable producers, investor confidence, continued reliance on thermal generation, and steps to revise energy planning in line with renewable and climate commitments. He also sought data on 2025 generation costs, source mix, projected demand growth, possible emergency power purchases, and whether consumers would be compensated for unplanned power cuts given CEB profits from high tariffs. He additionally asked the Minister to address the fuel distribution issue arising from the reduction of filling station owners’ discount. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 1 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake, raising a question under Standing Order 27(2) to the Minister of Power and Energy, said Sri Lanka’s energy crisis is being aggravated by rising CEB operating costs, lower hydro generation, and reliance on expensive thermal power. He questioned the CEB’s alleged resistance to integrating non-conventional renewable energy, including reduced tariffs, delayed approvals, and discouragement of private investment, arguing that these measures increase sectoral financial pressure and threaten the target of 70% renewable energy by 2030. Standing Order 27(2) Question: Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Generation Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera said Sri Lanka’s national security remains assured through a professional military, with Defence allocations to be used for institutional strengthening, modernization, technology, research and development. He stated that a National Security Advisor Council would be established by law, cybersecurity legislation is being advanced through the Digital Economy Ministry, and the National Disaster Management Council would be reconvened and disaster management restructured. He outlined plans to modernize the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and hydrographic services to address maritime security, illegal fishing, environmental protection and revenue generation from navigational charts. He also said force levels in the North and East would continue to be reviewed, retaining personnel only where essential and redeploying others as necessary. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Continued (Afternoon) Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran welcomed the Government’s “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” policy and Clean Sri Lanka programme but argued that rising drug use and illicit liquor production, especially in Mullaitivu and the wider Vanni, undermine those aims. He cited village complaints and reported deaths linked to kassippu and cannabis-related illicit alcohol, questioned why Police and security forces have not controlled the situation, and referred to allegations of police complicity. He also raised concerns about related theft, family breakdown, youth addiction, forest destruction, timber smuggling, illegal sand and gravel mining, cattle smuggling, and an incident involving an allegedly intoxicated police officer at Yogapuram School, calling for stronger law and order enforcement. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Continued (Afternoon) Read →
- 28 February 2025 The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB AI summary Chathura Galappaththi argued that national security should be understood broadly, including food, energy, health, economic, environmental, technological and data security, citing the 2022 shortages as evidence of interconnected risks. He said the Budget lacks adequate focus on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, despite earlier moves to establish a National AI Centre and strategy, and raised concerns about the security of biometric, fuel QR, vaccination, education and NMRA-related data. He called for investigations into data breaches and proposed requiring wind power investors to establish data centres in Sri Lanka to securely host national data. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Continued (Afternoon) Read →