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- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Rathna Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Rathna Gamage said the Budget significantly increases the Environment Ministry allocation to Rs. 16.7 billion, compared with about Rs. 8.6-8.7 billion in the previous two years, to support nature and animal welfare. He contrasted this with a reduction in the President’s Vote from Rs. 6.6 billion to Rs. 2.98 billion, arguing that cuts at the top reflect the Government’s political approach and fiscal priorities. He urged public support for the Budget’s plan to rebuild the country. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Athula Welandagoda defended the first NPP Government Budget as a national plan aligned with the public mandate and criticized the Opposition for offering distortions rather than substantive alternatives. He argued that past governments lacked coherent planning, contributed to bankruptcy and division, and failed on reconciliation and national development. He highlighted allocations such as Rs. 20 billion for over 1,450 kilometres of elephant fencing and emphasized tourism development, protection of national assets such as Sigiriya, and a target of over 3 million tourists as key components of the Government’s economic strategy. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi defended the 2025 Budget as aligned with the NPP’s policy of economic democracy, productive growth, and fair distribution, rejecting Opposition claims that it is either insufficiently socialist or neoliberal. He argued that Opposition references to past open-economy policies and comparisons with Adam Smith, Ronnie de Mel, and Deng Xiaoping were historically inaccurate and outdated. He said the Budget sets out its macroeconomic principles and goes beyond fiscal measures by allocating funds for national reconciliation, religious and cultural activities, Northern and Eastern development, the Jaffna Library, and improved living standards for the Malaiyagam Tamil community. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Construction of the Holuwagoda Project was completed on 20 December 2023, and the Holuwagoda Wetland Park was opened to the public on 13 March 2024, with management handed over to the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau. The Minister stated that the project’s expected benefits include flood mitigation through drainage, recreational facilities, marketplace support for local economic and plantation activities, city beautification, tourism promotion, walkways, and a children’s play area, and that these benefits are considered to have been achieved. Oral Questions: Holuwagoda Development Project and Sports Facilities Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Government has minimized oil-based power generation and is using LNG, hydro, and solar to lower average electricity generation costs. He stated that policy will focus on expanding solar capacity, with the aim of stabilizing and sustainably reducing electricity tariffs over three years rather than allowing sharp fluctuations. Oral Question No. 179/2024: CEB Payment of Loans and Staff Emoluments Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake noted that hydropower can meet only about 35 percent of electricity needs, while thermal generation costs significantly more. He argued that selling electricity below production cost creates losses and cautioned against using hydropower pricing as the basis for overall tariffs. He called for a responsible pricing approach that avoids financial losses while protecting consumers. Oral Question No. 179/2024: CEB Payment of Loans and Staff Emoluments Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy rejected claims that the Government intends to limit, reduce, or stop solar power development, stating that reports of a committee appointed for that purpose are false. He said the Government is instead streamlining processes and remains committed to its policy target of 70 percent renewable energy, including the rapid addition of 2,000 MW of solar capacity. Oral Question No. 152/2024: Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera urged the relevant Minister to take leadership on the Kerawalapitiya matter, noting its links to the environment, local government and energy sectors and the CEB’s role in purchasing power. Referring to the recent blackout, he asked whether the Government was stopping or limiting new rooftop solar connections after reports concerning about 1,400 MW of capacity, and requested clarification on future steps to promote solar power, citing its impact on over 1,000 enterprises, 25,000 employees and foreign exchange savings. Oral Question No. 152/2024: Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked why the 10 MW Ratmalana/Karadiana waste-to-energy plant, begun during the good governance period to address municipal solid waste disposal for local authorities outside the Colombo Municipal Council, has not been completed. He noted that the parallel Kerawalapitiya plant is operating successfully and asked what steps will be taken to complete the Ratmalana/Karadiana project. Oral Question No. 152/2024: Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy provided written answers on the Kerawalapitiya Waste-to-Energy plant, stating that the CEB pays Rs. 36.20 per kWh and receives a Treasury reimbursement of Rs. 13.10 per kWh. He said the plant requires 650–700 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily but received an average of 584 metric tons per day in 2024, mainly from the Colombo Municipal Council with coordination by the Western Province Waste Management Authority when needed. He also stated that around 15,000 metric tons of ash have accumulated at the site and that Environmental Protection Licences were obtained for January–July 2023 and August 2024–August 2025, with management conducted under Central Environmental Authority conditions. Oral Question No. 152/2024: Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister of Energy for details on the Kerawalapitiya Waste-to-Energy Power Plant, including the CEB’s unit purchase price, the daily waste requirement for optimal operation, and the average waste supplied in 2024. He also requested information on the local authorities supplying waste, ash accumulation and environmentally sound ash management measures, and whether an Environmental Protection Licence had been obtained for 2023. Oral Question No. 152/2024: Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised a point of order concerning Mannar, stating that the District Coordinating Committee had decided against mineral sand mining there due to concerns over sea and land levels. He noted that local Members of Parliament were present at that meeting and urged that the decision not to permit mining be respected. Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Ministry Statements Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary A licence to explore mineral sands in Mannar had been issued under a previous Government, though questions remain about whether proper public procedures were followed. Relevant agencies and Ministers are to examine whether the matter falls under industries or energy, with guidance from the District Coordinating Committee. The Minister stated that any project harming livelihoods or public interests in the low-lying Mannar Island should not proceed, and that the Government will act cautiously and in line with public opinion. Speaker's Announcements: Opposition Representation in Parliamentary Committees Read →
- 19 February 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised concerns about tensions in Mannar over an attempted mineral sand mining operation opposed by local residents. He said Police involvement appeared to be supporting the activity and urged the Government to intervene immediately, halt the situation, and resolve the matter through discussion and consensus. Speaker's Announcements: Opposition Representation in Parliamentary Committees Read →
- 18 February 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran called for an immediate halt to proposed ilmenite mining-related field activities on Mannar Island, citing public opposition, flood vulnerability, private land concerns, and potential law-and-order issues, and urged the Central Environmental Authority and other agencies to stop the planned field visit. He thanked the President for Budget funding to reconstruct the Vattuvagal bridge in Mullaitivu, while stating that further needs remain. He requested urgent health-sector upgrades in Mullaitivu, including staff housing, ambulances and vehicles, cadre review, filling vacancies, and appointment of specialists so the District General Hospital can be recognized for post-intern in-service doctor training. Adjourned Debate on Second Reading of the 2025 Budget Read →
- 17 February 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka AI summary Anura Kumara Dissanayaka outlined Budget 2025 allocations for the Clean Sri Lanka Programme, describing it as a broad social, environmental and ethical development initiative rather than a limited clean-up campaign, with Rs. 5,000 million allocated and support sought from the public, state sector, private sector, NGOs and donors. He highlighted road accidents as a national concern, citing deaths, disabilities and injuries over recent years, and said the programme would include measures to improve road safety. He also proposed Rs. 750 million for solid waste disposal facilities in Anuradhapura, particularly to address hospital and urban waste, and referred to measures and Budget provisions to mitigate human-elephant conflict through electric fence rehabilitation, habitat improvement and forest conservation. Appropriation Bill, 2025: Second Reading - Debate Adjourned Read →
- 17 February 2025 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment met on 17 February 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi, with members from both government and opposition in attendance. The record provided lists the committee’s participants but does not include substantive debate, questions, decisions, or policy proposals discussed at the meeting. Parliamentary Structure and Committees Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody tabled a written answer on solar power capacity and generation, stating that the Ceylon Electricity Board has 1,266 MW and LECO 259 MW of solar capacity, with 1,161 GWh added to the National Grid up to November 2024. The answer said solar schemes began on 6 September 2016 and included capacity additions under Net Plus, Net Metering and Net Accounting. It outlined measures to promote solar power, including competitive procurement of large-scale plants, streamlined approvals, online clearances, grid and transmission upgrades, energy storage development, public awareness, and support for installations in religious places and state institutions, in line with the 2030 target of 70 per cent renewable electricity generation. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Ajith P. Perera) SJB AI summary Asked the Minister of Energy to provide details on Sri Lanka’s solar power integration into the National Grid, including total installed capacity, annual additions, and the launch date of the “Soorya Bala Sangramaya” project. He requested separate figures for solar power added under the Net Plus, Net Metering and Net Accounting schemes, and asked what measures would be taken to further promote solar energy. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →
- 7 February 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy said energy projects have not been arbitrarily halted, but some are delayed because previous approval processes ignored grid capacity, land, environmental constraints, and wildlife considerations, with some permits allegedly traded. He said Cabinet approval has been sought to regularize existing issues and introduce a transparent, structured process while engaging current permit holders to correct deficiencies. He noted that solar power remains important but must be supported by firm generation, and said the Ministry expects progress within two to three months, including clearing unwarranted approvals based on national need. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Read →