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- 4 December 2024 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir described repeated flood damage in the Ampara District, noting that rehabilitation work worth about Rs. 300 million following the 2023 opening of the Senanayake Samudra floodgates had been damaged again by recent floods. He requested government attention to restore irrigation and agricultural infrastructure, warning that only about one month of irrigation water remained before harvest. He also thanked community organizations involved in rescue and recovery efforts in Mavadippalli, Karaitivu, Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai, and called for relief for residents of Navithanveli, which he said had been entirely submerged and left people unable to work. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Sudath Balagalla JJB AI summary Hon. Sudath Balagalla, making his maiden speech, argued that Badulla’s current disaster impacts reflect long-term failures in governance affecting education, health, agriculture, the environment, and disaster preparedness. He said 103 families and 3,844 people had been affected, with one death, eight hospitalizations, and about 104 acres of farmland destroyed, and criticized the lack of Opposition presence to address these issues. He called for urgent reforms to reservoir management, including lowering water levels ahead of heavy rains, insurance or protection for downstream communities, sirens, warning signs, evacuation guidance, and early warning systems, citing the midnight opening of the Ulhitiya-Rathkinda spill gates in the Mahaweli “C” area. He also thanked Mahaweli Authority, Divisional Secretariat, and relief officials for their response efforts while urging MPs to work directly with affected communities. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Krishnan Kalaichelvi thanked voters in Nuwara Eliya for electing five National People’s Power MPs and used her maiden speech to focus on disaster impacts in the district, particularly among estate Tamil communities. She said recent monsoon rains affected about 1,500 people from 480 families, damaged estate housing and agricultural livelihoods, and prompted NPP MPs, the District Development Committee Chairman and officials to inspect affected areas and coordinate relief. She attributed recurring disaster risks to past governments’ irregular construction, poor drainage and disregard of NBRO landslide warnings, and pledged that the Government would pursue scientific solutions for housing and related facilities. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised disaster impacts in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, citing large-scale displacement, damage to paddy cultivation, livestock deaths, road damage, unrepaired tanks, and losses to agriculture, livestock and fisheries. He requested adequate compensation based on damage assessments, immediate provision of seed paddy, urgent rehabilitation of about 157 tanks, repair of agricultural and local roads and drainage, and support for fisherfolk and livestock farmers. He also proposed relocating repeatedly flood-affected settlements to higher ground with housing schemes, while noting that previous governments, including during his own tenure, had not resolved these issues due to constraints. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Kader Masthan AI summary Hon. Kader Masthan said the Vanni District and much of the country had suffered serious hardship from the recent floods, with about 470,000 people affected nationwide. He acknowledged the relief work of district MPs, officials, the tri-forces, NGOs and civil organizations in evacuating people, operating shelters and providing food. He urged the Government to amend the relevant disaster-relief circular, arguing that food assistance must also reach people who remain in their homes due to fear of theft or cultural reasons and cannot move to temporary shelters. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage said Cyclone “Fengal” and rains since 21 November had affected 141,151 families, mostly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with 18 deaths and around 20 injuries reported. He outlined government actions including formalizing disaster management responsibilities by Gazette, presidential directives for immediate relief, ministerial visits to Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee, increased relief allocations, and deployment of security forces and officials. He argued that Sri Lanka must strengthen disaster preparedness, citing climate change, monsoon patterns, unplanned development and environmental degradation as factors increasing recurring flood and landslide risks. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa described the impact of recent Northeast monsoon flooding in Ampara, including damage to roads, culverts, bridges, drainage, houses, agricultural infrastructure and fisheries, and noted that eight people died, including six madrasa students. He said NPP MPs had visited affected areas, coordinated with district and divisional officials, and assured residents that compensation and assistance would be expedited. He also criticized past development failures, citing the unusable Oluvil harbour, and called for future disaster mitigation while thanking local welfare groups, fishermen, swimmers and the tri-forces for relief efforts. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman raised the impact of recent extreme weather in Nuwara Eliya, stating that 1,495 people had been affected, with many unable to return to unsafe estate line rooms after rain and landslides. He argued that repeated disaster-related displacement in the plantation sector reflects a systemic problem and called for land rights and permanent housing solutions, including the possible allocation of unoccupied houses in Dunsinane estate to affected families. He urged the Government, the Ministry of Estate Infrastructure, plantation companies, and the new Deputy Minister responsible for plantations to intervene, prevent families from being sent back to high-risk areas, and deliver relief and long-term resettlement solutions. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam alleged that the World Bank-funded Strategic Cities Development Project in Jaffna was implemented without local institutional participation, adequate technical data, or qualified oversight, and urged the Government and Prime Minister to investigate possible corruption and negligence linked to recent severe flooding. He also said flooding in Batticaloa was worsened by the uncoordinated simultaneous opening of tank sluice gates. He further appealed for funds to construct breakwaters, deepen channels, and improve coastal protection for Northern fisherfolk whose boats were damaged after the cyclone, while asking that alleged corruption under the previous fisheries minister be examined. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa - Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa reported extensive cyclone and flood damage in Ampara District, including 11 deaths, 46,766 affected families, major crop losses, damaged houses, irrigation works, roads, bridges, and fisheries assets. He said the Government would move beyond short-term disaster responses by preparing plans, regulations and preventive measures to manage recurring floods, while acknowledging that flooding cannot be eliminated entirely. He called for expedited and improved assessment procedures for agricultural losses, warning that delays by officials are unacceptable, and cited estimated compensation and reconstruction needs running into several billions of rupees. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan said the Vanni District, particularly Mannar and Mullaitivu, suffered serious flood damage due to inadequate drainage, raised roads obstructing water flow, and poorly planned projects such as the Mannar wind power development. He urged the Government to prioritize drainage infrastructure, rehabilitate breached and vulnerable small tanks, and address immediate risks to villages. He requested relief for affected paddy, pulse and vegetable farmers through loan grace periods or waivers, and compensation for fisherfolk who were unable to go to sea, while acknowledging recent ministerial attention and funding for the affected districts. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem raised concerns over recurrent flooding in Ampara and Kalmunai/Kalkudah, including an alleged incident where the Valathapitty tank bund was cut and worsened village flooding, and called for a proper inquiry. He urged improved drainage planning, consultation with affected communities, completion of unfinished gabion wall, dredging, and channel-widening works, and construction of flood protection embankments along vulnerable rivers. He also requested revival of the World Bank/ADB-funded Climate Resilience Improvement Project to finance drainage and flood-resilience infrastructure, and asked that crop insurance be extended urgently to vegetable and fruit farmers in both up-country and low-country areas. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary K. Ilankumaran used his maiden speech to report on recent flood impacts in the Northern Province, stating that 51,171 families and 171,536 persons were affected across Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, with two deaths recorded. He said advance warnings and coordinated clearing of drainage channels helped reduce casualties, while 82 relief camps were established and food, essentials, medical support and mosquito nets were provided. He requested continued relief for damage to fishing boats, nets, crops and houses, and acknowledged assistance from ministers, local authorities, fellow MPs and diaspora networks. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra outlined the impact of the recent cyclone-related disaster, giving district-level figures for deaths, displaced families, damaged houses, roads and welfare camps, particularly in Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families. He said the Government, security forces and police acted quickly despite some shortcomings, and argued that many flood-related problems stem from long-standing failures such as poor drainage maintenance, blocked waterways, unsafe bridges, encroachments, minor tank issues and politically influenced sand mining. He stated that the Government intends to pursue longer-term disaster-management reforms, including updating the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, using technical expertise and new technology, securing funding, and involving non-state organizations and communities in preparedness and response. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha seconded the Adjournment Motion on recent adverse weather, emphasizing severe impacts on farmers, fisherfolk, households, irrigation systems, and the wider economy across multiple provinces. He questioned the adequacy of the proposed Rs. 40,000 per acre compensation for damaged paddy lands, sought clarification on support for farmers unable to replant and for non-farmer households with damaged houses, and urged faster funding and authority for District Secretaries to deliver relief. He called for stronger disaster management coordination among agencies, urgent remedial irrigation works including in the Heda Oya basin, and expedited installation of the Japan-assisted Doppler radar system at Puttalam to improve early warnings ahead of possible further weather events. Adjournment Motion: Compensation for Damaged Crops and Victims of Adverse Weather (Cyclone Fengal) Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah thanked voters and pledged support for constructive measures of the new National People’s Power Government, while urging implementation of the President’s policy programme. He highlighted severe flood damage in Batticaloa District and requested immediate assistance for affected families staying temporarily with relatives or friends before entering camps, as well as equipment and support to clear and rehabilitate canals and drainage systems. He also supported the President’s focus on developing the IT sector, citing SLASSCOM’s Vision 2030 proposals to achieve US$5 billion in exports, a 200,000-strong workforce and 1,000 start-ups through STEM expansion, public-private partnerships, student financing, scholarships, and reskilling programmes. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran congratulated the new Government and welcomed the President’s commitment to a country free of racism and extremism, but expressed concern that the President’s address did not set out a solution to the ethnic issue affecting Tamil people. He requested full powers for the Kalmunai North Divisional Secretariat, including permanent administrative appointments, and proposed new Divisional Secretariats centred on Komari and Malwatte to improve access to public services. He also called for a new Education Zone for Tamil schools around Kalmunai and urged the Government to immediately halt ilmenite sand mining activity in Thirukkovil, citing risks to local communities, resources and ancestral lands. Debate: Government Policy Statement - Resumed Adjourned Debate Read →
- 4 December 2024 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the Government’s claims on fuel and electricity costs, stating that high taxes on petrol and diesel, including VAT, were contributing significantly to prices. He called for reductions in these taxes and for the Government to deliver promised relief. He also welcomed the President’s “Clean Sri Lanka” vision and proposed a national public sanitation system and more urban green spaces. Ministerial Statement: Arrests for Spreading False Information on Social Media Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe thanked voters and party leaders for his election to Parliament and highlighted the severe impact of recent floods in Ampara District, citing damage to over 46,000 families, homes, roads, bridges and about 85,000 acres of paddy land. He urged the Government to provide greater compensation and relief to affected farmers, noting that previous flood compensation remained unpaid and that Rs. 40,000 per acre was insufficient. He also called for an investigation into the deaths of madrasa students and civilians in a tractor accident during flood evacuations, questioning who authorized unsafe transport through floodwaters. He further demanded urgent infrastructure action, particularly construction of a proper bridge at Mavadippalli, where he said repeated drownings had occurred. Debate: President's Policy Statement (Continuation with Maiden Speeches and Responses) Read →
- 3 December 2024 The Hon. Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence AI summary The Deputy Minister reported on the Government’s response to severe weather caused by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, which affected 24 districts and led to an emergency declaration by the President. He stated that 469,872 people from 139,439 families were affected, with 18 deaths and 20 injuries, and that the number in safe centres had fallen from 38,616 to 7,946. He outlined relief measures including deployment of the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department, coordination through district officials, visits by Ministers and officials, and an additional Treasury allocation of Rs. 300 million for relief and recovery. Procedural: Points of Order and Standing Orders Clarifications (Vote on Account, Ministry Advisory Committees, Party Leaders' Agreement) Read →