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- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised concerns about unresolved issues at the Ceylon Electricity Board, including a dispute between unions over renewable energy policy. He questioned whether opposition to renewables was benefiting the oil lobby, noting that renewable power was paid at Rs. 29 per unit compared with a stated production cost of Rs. 78 per unit. He warned that the CEB’s recent Rs. 185 billion profit could turn into a Rs. 40 billion loss within two months, potentially leading to increased electricity tariffs. Ministerial Statements: Elephant Deaths from Train Collisions and Power Outage Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to study and adopt proven technologies and design solutions to prevent elephant-train collisions, citing examples from India, Kenya, Japan and local infrared sensor trials near Habarana. He proposed an integrated programme overseen by a standard steering committee involving relevant ministries, experts, officials and political authorities, and requested time during the Budget Session to present Opposition proposals on the matter. Ministerial Statements: Elephant Deaths from Train Collisions and Power Outage Read →
- 22 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said the Government has identified key locations and causes of elephant-train collisions, including high-risk areas on the Batticaloa Line near Thalapathakanda and the recent incident near Gal Oya Junction. He said discussions with the Ministry of Environment, Railways Department, environmentalists, locomotive drivers and local stakeholders had produced immediate and medium-term proposals, including clearing vegetation along railway tracks, adapting bridges and culverts for elephant movement, widening narrow sections where elephants cannot move aside, installing sensors, and using community information. He emphasized public participation and tabled a document listing about 20 reasons for elephant deaths on railway lines, while requesting further practical suggestions from the public. Ministerial Statements: Elephant Deaths from Train Collisions and Power Outage Read →
- 22 February 2025 Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake addressed the recent train collision that killed a herd of elephants and described elephant-train collisions as a longstanding issue requiring a sustainable solution. He tabled data on elephant deaths from 2013 to 2025 and said the Ministry and Railways Department had already held meetings, including proposals to form village-level committees at collision hotspots to provide alerts to railway stations. He argued that technical measures alone are insufficient and cited community-based and conservation reports, including the Siyambalangamuwa pilot project and a study by Dr. Pruthiviraaj Fernando’s team, which he placed in the Library for further reference. Ministerial Statements: Elephant Deaths from Train Collisions and Power Outage Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi addressed the recent deaths of seven elephants struck by a train between Minneriya and Gal Oya, outlining immediate and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents. He said budget allocations totalling about Rs. 640 million cover human-elephant conflict, wildlife conservation, and capacity upgrades, and that officials will inspect high-risk railway sections, clear vegetation, identify affected GN Divisions, and coordinate with local communities. He also announced plans for a special committee to accelerate technology-based solutions such as sensors and train alerts, in coordination with the Railways, Wildlife Conservation, and Digital Economy authorities. Adjournment Motion: Elephant Deaths Due to Train Collisions Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Minister Bimal Rathnayake thanked the Member for bringing the Adjournment Motion and defended the Government’s right to raise such matters, while acknowledging concerns about the manner in which it was seconded. Addressing the recent elephant–train collision, he expressed regret and said the Transport Ministry had previously met railway officials to identify hotspots, including the Gal Oya area, and seek practical community-based measures rather than costly infrastructure options. He stated that delays in implementing known solutions had contributed to the problem, and that following the incident the Transport and Environment Ministries met officials and agreed on immediate actions, with the Environment Minister to provide further details. Adjournment Motion: Elephant Deaths Due to Train Collisions Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Rasamanickam raised concerns over recurring elephant-train collisions and wider human-elephant conflict in Batticaloa, including crop damage and delays in supplying elephant firecrackers. He asked the Government to state whether it would implement resolutions from the Batticaloa District Development Committee and proposed practical measures such as sensors, improved lighting, and addressing visibility problems near rail bends. He urged Ministers to use Adjournment debates to provide solutions rather than political responses, while expressing willingness to work with the Government on remedial measures. Adjournment Motion: Elephant Deaths Due to Train Collisions Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera addressed the Motion on human–elephant conflict, linking the issue to historical development, irrigation and agricultural expansion that reduced elephant habitats, while stressing that responsibility should be shared across governments. He questioned whether the 2025 Budget contains any specific allocation, particularly for preventing elephant-train collisions, and asked the Minister to clarify the proposed technological solutions. He called for a cross-party, science-based approach involving wildlife, railway and other experts, and for better coordination among relevant departments to find a fair solution for people, elephants and the economy. Adjournment Motion: Elephant Deaths Due to Train Collisions Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla seconded the Adjournment Motion on the human-elephant conflict, arguing that successive governments had failed to provide wildlife with habitat, water, and food while also failing affected communities. He said the government would take responsibility for wildlife management by building tanks, ensuring forage, and creating forest corridors, noting that eight of 12 elephant corridors are blocked and should be addressed. He also briefly rejected Opposition criticism on paddy prices, stating that the government had scientific and policy responses to both human and animal welfare concerns. Adjournment Motion: Elephant Deaths Due to Train Collisions Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna moved an Adjournment Motion calling for urgent action to prevent wild elephant deaths caused by train collisions, citing the deaths of five elephants near Galoya on the Maradankadawala–Batticaloa line and annual figures showing repeated fatalities since 2018. He said the Railways, Wildlife Conservation, and Forest Departments must coordinate, including by clearing vegetation near tracks for better visibility and adopting available technologies to detect or prevent collisions. He argued that insufficient implementation, funding, and official attention have allowed the problem to worsen despite the elephant’s protected status and ecological and tourism value. Adjournment Motion: Elephant Deaths Due to Train Collisions Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment responded briefly to an Hon. Member, stating that the Ministry would intervene as appropriate. No further details, proposals, or policy measures were specified. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister responded that additional Budget funds have been allocated to address the human-elephant conflict, emphasizing the need to protect both people’s lives and property and Sri Lanka’s protected elephant population. He said approaches used for other species in other countries are not applicable to elephants in Sri Lanka, and noted that ongoing interventions in Ampara and Batticaloa would continue with Members’ support toward a sustainable, scientific solution. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan raised concerns about increasing human-elephant conflict in Batticaloa, citing recent incidents in Kokkatticholai and Siththandi and shortages of Wildlife Department offices, personnel, vehicles and drivers compared with neighbouring Ampara. He requested urgent expansion of wildlife services in Batticaloa, including more officers, guards, vehicles and drivers, and noted that a previously announced staffing programme had not materialized. He also asked that scientific elephant population-control methods be explored, while stating he did not support culling. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister of Environment responded to questions on forest cover, elephant habitat and human-elephant conflict, citing the 2020 Forest Inventory and the 2011 elephant survey estimate of at least 5,879 wild elephants. He provided conflict figures for 2020–2024, showing annual human and elephant deaths, and stated that no national study has established whether Sri Lanka’s elephant population exceeds ecosystem carrying capacity. He outlined current mitigation measures, including electric fencing, deployment of Civil Security Department personnel, elephant drives, compensation payments, GPS-collar research, removal of problem elephants, securing elephant corridors, community awareness programmes, habitat enrichment, and trials of deterrent technologies. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan asked the Minister of Environment for detailed data on Sri Lanka’s forest extent, elephant-suitable habitats, and the wild elephant population. He sought annual figures from 2020 to 2024 on human injuries and deaths caused by elephants and elephant deaths linked to human-elephant conflict. He also asked whether the elephant population exceeds available forest cover, what mechanisms exist to control it, whether such measures will be implemented, and what methods are available to reduce destruction caused by wild elephants. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Maththegoda lagoon sewerage system is over 40 years old but remains operational, with treated effluent monitored by the NWSDB and CEA, though some components require rehabilitation and funding. He explained that fencing was initiated to prevent unsafe access, heavy-vehicle damage, illegal dumping and accidents, citing a 2023 fatal incident, but the Rs. 7.1 million project has been suspended following public protests until an alternative access route is completed. He added that the contract was awarded through NWSDB tender procedure and that the issue has been discussed with local authorities, police and relevant public representatives. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Waruna Liyanage asked the Government to consider reintroducing and funding the National Insurance Trust Fund’s disaster insurance scheme in the next Budget, noting that it had provided significant relief to disaster-affected people. He suggested that support could be sought through the IMF programme and highlighted the recurring annual flood risk in Rathnapura. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera responded on behalf of the Minister of Defence to questions on natural disaster compensation from 2017 to 2024, stating that district-wise details on property, business, and loss-of-life payments had been submitted as annexes. He explained procedures for verifying land ownership for claims above Rs. 10,000, while allowing District Secretaries to consider residence history or owner consent in certain cases. He outlined current relief rates for cooked meals and dry rations, and said revised NBRO property-damage valuation estimates had been prepared for approval due to increased construction costs. He added that all compensation due for fully assessed houses from 2017 had been paid by end-2024, with remaining delays linked to pending District Secretary proposals, late assessments, or documentation issues to be submitted by 28 February 2025. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 21 February 2025 The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Defence to provide district-wise annual figures from 2017 onward on compensation paid and outstanding for deaths, property damage, and business losses caused by natural disasters. He queried whether the disaster insurance scheme under the National Insurance Trust Fund and Circular No. 03/2016 is recognized as relief for victims, and raised concerns that Circular No. 01/2020 requiring proof of land ownership for compensation above Rs. 10,000 has prevented many families from receiving payments. He also asked whether daily allocations for dry rations and cooked food and the assessment values under the 09.09.2020 circular would be increased to reflect current needs. Oral Question: Compensation for Natural Disaster Damages (Q. First Round) Read →
- 20 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Ilayathamby Srinath AI summary Hon. Dr. Ilayathamby Srinath welcomed the Budget’s allocations to health, education, the North, and the estate sector, but urged comparable attention to Batticaloa and the Eastern Province, particularly war-affected and underdeveloped areas such as Paduvaankarai. He requested increased funding for irrigation, tank rehabilitation, permanent bridges, flood mitigation, and the long-discussed Kithul–Rugam tank linkage, arguing it could reduce flooding, expand cultivation by 8,000–10,000 acres, and help address future drinking water shortages. He also called for dredging and cleaning the Batticaloa Lagoon, reconstruction of Kiraan Bridge, and clearer development strategies for agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and tourism to improve the district economy. Budget Bill 2025 - Second Reading Debate Read →