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 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah expressed support for the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme but urged the Government to provide clearer guidance to the public and public officers and to implement it through local authorities at grassroots level. He proposed training officials, strengthening local bodies to clean drains, plant trees and beautify villages, and changing mindsets across the public service, including the police and security sectors. He also highlighted repeated flooding in the Eastern Province and damage caused by the opening of Senanayake Samudraya sluice gates, requesting compensation for affected farmers in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara JJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara defended the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a continuing national movement rather than a short-term campaign, saying it would be implemented through coordinated policy, public officials, professionals, and grassroots volunteers. He rejected Opposition claims that the programme was being misrepresented or used for partisan purposes, and argued that public trust and voluntary participation would distinguish it from past slogan-driven or corrupt governance initiatives. He said ministries and district and divisional coordinating structures were already being aligned for implementation, and that the Government would proceed lawfully, constitutionally, and transparently. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Deepthi Wasalage argued that the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative should be understood as a broad programme of political, social, ethical, environmental and institutional reform, not merely waste removal or drain cleaning. She attributed current crises in governance, public services, education, health, the economy and the environment to past political failures, citing the lack of clean water in parts of Matale as an example. She said the Government would pursue efficient public transport, systematic waste management and education reforms to build environmentally and socially responsible citizens, and called on educators, public servants, citizens and the Opposition to support the programme. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary G. G. Ponnambalam commented on the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme, noting that its website presents the initiative under social, environmental and ethical categories, with the first two focused mainly on apolitical issues such as the environment and physical cleanliness. He argued that the ethical component, which refers to building trust in systems through integrity, suggests a broader mandate but is too briefly developed, and called for a more comprehensive public presentation of the programme. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Athula Welandagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Athula Welandagoda supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a timely initiative to address economic, social and cultural problems, while stressing the need for clearer communication and grassroots popularization through all institutions. He criticized Opposition responses as lacking constructive engagement and said the Government had a five-year mandate for systemic change. Citing waste management, preschool, tourism-area cleanliness and local development initiatives implemented in Tissamaharama, he argued that the Government has relevant experience and will proceed with necessary policy decisions to build an orderly and prosperous country. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage defended the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme as a central initiative to rebuild the country through both environmental improvement and “spiritual purification.” He argued that environmental degradation, corruption, drugs, gambling and social misconduct require a change in public values as well as physical beautification. He linked the programme to tourism and development goals, citing coastal clean-up activities in Galle and plans to extend similar work through 500 vocational education institutions, while calling for Sri Lanka’s social capital and volunteerism to be directed toward national progress. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera questioned the legal scope and implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that the Gazette establishing the Task Force frames it primarily as an environmental initiative and does not include anti-corruption, rule of law, or public sector efficiency objectives. He asked the Government to clarify the programme’s timeline, organizational structure, expert involvement, and legal authority, noting that these had not been publicly set out. He also raised concerns about financing, stating that any collection of funds must comply with Financial Regulations and be supported by a properly established institution and fund. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda expressed support for the Clean Sri Lanka programme, arguing that past Governments had also contributed to public cleanliness and urban improvement, citing Colombo’s transformation under former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and measures against public smoking, posters and betel stains. He urged the Government to build consensus, reduce blame over past administrations, and use Parliament itself as an example of “clean” conduct, including reconsidering parliamentary privilege for statements made without legal consequence. He said the Opposition was ready to contribute proposals, but criticized the Government for allegedly targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and warned against allowing such actions to create wider public resentment. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary While expressing conditional support for the Clean Sri Lanka programme if its stated aims are genuine, the Member criticized the Government for unclear and contradictory communication, citing confusion over implementation dates and police actions, and requested a comprehensive explanation of the programme at the end of the debate. He questioned inconsistencies between election pledges and current positions on the fuel levy and electricity tariffs, and urged clarification on whether further tariff reductions and renewable energy expansion would be pursued. He alleged obstruction within the Ceylon Electricity Board and related energy interests against solar, wind and other renewable projects, calling for scrutiny of coal procurement and warning that reversing renewable initiatives could raise costs and cause power shortages. He also referred to previous COPE concerns over Sri Lanka Cricket and questioned whether promised institutional reforms were being pursued. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Aruna Panagoda JJB AI summary Hon. Aruna Panagoda defended the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as a broad initiative to improve environmental conditions, public services, ethics, living standards and economic recovery, rejecting Opposition claims that it is limited to garbage collection or beach cleaning. He cited poor conditions at Homagama bus stand and railway station, delayed local government services, and an unfinished road project as examples of problems the programme aims to address. He said the Government, elected with a large mandate, would implement the programme gradually with public participation and presidential oversight. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe defended the Clean Sri Lanka programme as a broad initiative focused on improving productivity across government, industry, schools and state-owned enterprises, rather than a limited enforcement exercise. He said the National Productivity Secretariat, now under his Ministry, will relaunch the National Productivity Awards and drive measures to reduce waste and improve efficiency in industrial zones and public institutions. He announced plans to support the Valachchenai Paper Mill by aggregating waste paper from state institutions, schools and households through collection centres, following a Cabinet submission. He urged Opposition MPs and the public to support the programme, arguing that higher productivity is essential for Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global market. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged that Government programmes such as “Urumaya” include Tamil translations and called for the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to function in a manner that promotes religious harmony and equal respect for all faiths. He supported the Clean Sri Lanka programme’s social, environmental and ethical pillars, proposing practical actions on dengue control, road safety, school canteen enforcement, pharmacist availability, waste disposal, illegal construction, deforestation, grazing land issues and unsafe gravel extraction. He also raised concerns about Tamil language barriers among officials, displaced persons being prevented from accessing land, unused public vehicles and underutilized public infrastructure, arguing that anti-corruption and efficient public asset use should begin at grassroots level. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 Hon. Dinidu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinidu Saman said surveys, reserve demarcations, and protection plans had been completed for district water sources, and proposed that water protection plans for all sources be implemented under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. He argued that Clean Sri Lanka would support environmental protection and poverty eradication, while accusing Opposition members of opposing it for political reasons and of previously misusing public funds during election-related activities. He rejected allegations of waste in the programme and called for a new political culture that avoids such practices. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dinindu Saman AI summary Hon. Dinindu Saman said the Clean Sri Lanka programme should address deterioration in culture, politics, the economy and ecosystems through long-term national policies and public participation. He argued that the Government had begun changing what he described as a degraded political culture, including by reducing misuse of public resources, and linked the programme to economic revival, sports governance, road safety, disaster prevention and environmental restoration. He cited annual road deaths, disaster displacement and relief costs, and degradation of river basins as areas requiring planned, community-based action, noting that related initiatives had begun in Badulla District. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Anton Jayakody defended the Clean Sri Lanka Programme as a broad national initiative covering social, environmental and ethical reform, not merely waste management. He argued it should address past development failures such as Uma Oya, Oluvil Port, coastal erosion and neglected irrigation infrastructure, while supporting agriculture through tank rehabilitation, improved fertilizer use and future domestic fertilizer production. He also linked the programme to “clean politics,” calling for reforms in governance, policing, regulatory institutions and public administration to build a productive economy and better living conditions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha welcomed the PUCSL decision to reduce electricity tariffs and urged that the resulting relief be passed on to households, industries and consumers through lower prices. She defended the Clean Sri Lanka Programme as an organized effort to improve environmental conditions, civic conduct and social ethics, citing pollution, inadequate public facilities, unsafe public transport for women, poor food practices and weak tourist amenities. She said consultations with local institutions and community groups had identified needs such as public toilets, drinking water points, clean food outlets and accessibility for persons with disabilities, and called for short-, medium- and long-term action leading to value-based social change. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa tabled an answer stating that Sri Lanka has 103 rivers, with their names and locations provided in an annex. The response identified major causes of river pollution, including urbanization, industrial effluent, sewage and solid waste discharge, sand mining, unauthorized constructions, agrochemical use, deforestation, and degradation of mangroves and riparian vegetation. It outlined the roles of relevant agencies and noted that while short-term conservation programmes exist, long-term programmes are lacking, with “Pivithuru Ganga” identified as the main ministry initiative. The answer also described Central Environmental Authority monitoring and legal measures under the National Environmental Act, while noting weak institutional coordination, inadequate legal frameworks, and limited capacity to test residual pesticides and agrochemicals. Oral Question: Rivers in Sri Lanka and Pollution Measures (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Kins Nelson) SJB AI summary A question was raised to the Minister of Environment seeking details on the number and names of rivers in Sri Lanka and whether most are polluted. It also asked what action will be taken to clean polluted rivers and what measures are planned to minimize river pollution, and requested reasons if the information or action is not available. Oral Question: Rivers in Sri Lanka and Pollution Measures (Q.9/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the human-elephant conflict had been worsened by successive governments over many years and said the current Government aims to protect both elephants and human lives through scientific short- and long-term measures. He noted that, although the Government had been in office for only about two months, it was conducting a detailed study to provide sustainable solutions while implementing immediate interventions in affected areas. Oral Question: Wild Elephant Detention Centre in Lunugamwehera (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2025 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi asked whether the Government has a concrete programme to address the intensifying human-elephant conflict, citing recent protests in Anuradhapura and reports of rising elephant and human deaths. He criticized past temporary measures and alleged politically influenced, ineffective spending, and called for policy decisions and official intervention to protect both people and elephants. Oral Question: Wild Elephant Detention Centre in Lunugamwehera (Q.1/2025) Read →