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 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath said the economic recovery effort was being strained by the previous year’s cyclone and the Middle East war-driven fuel crisis, and called for effective implementation of fuel distribution, including the QR system, for agriculture and fisheries in Batticaloa. He urged action against hoarding and artificial shortages of fertilizer and fuel, relief for affected businesses facing bank pressure, and long-term planning to reduce petroleum dependence through alternative and natural energy. He also raised concerns about the CID summoning of the Jaffna University Students’ Union President over a Black Day commemoration and requested regularized salary scales, grades, and promotions for long-serving Development Officers. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa disputed the Government’s claim that there is no crisis, citing reduced generation at the Norochcholai coal power plant and alleging that substandard coal has increased ash output, caused repeated breakdowns, and threatens power supply reliability. He warned of environmental and health risks from excess fly ash, especially during the New Year closure of cement companies that normally purchase it, and referred to possible power cuts noted by the Public Utilities Commission. He argued that the resulting fuel and electricity pressures are affecting farmers, fishers, industries, transport workers and SMEs, and called for a relief programme using Treasury resources for vulnerable households and economic sectors. He also questioned whether investment and FDI can be attracted amid electricity instability and an ineffective QR fuel system. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Read →
- 19 March 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath, answering on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, said the proposed Vee Oya reservoir near Yatiyantota is intended to support potable water supply, Kelani River flood mitigation, dry-season flow regulation for Colombo and surrounding areas, and possible hydropower generation. He stated that detailed design is underway under the CResMPA project, with implementation envisaged in 2027 subject to Cabinet approval, completed assessments, and World Bank support. He further said EIA and SIA reports are being prepared, preliminary studies identify 203 housing losses and 13 business losses, and landslide-risk studies by the National Building Research Organisation will inform design measures. Oral Question: Proposed Vee-Oya Project: Details (Q.1544/2025) Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary The Member supported increasing remuneration and pension benefits for CIABOC officers, including higher salaries for senior officials, but questioned whether the Commission was acting independently or being used to target the Opposition while ignoring allegations against the Government. He raised specific concerns about the handling of complaints relating to “Container 323,” Parliament officials, and energy procurement, including coal quality issues at Norochcholai, alleged tender irregularities, increased diesel use, and possible health impacts. He urged CIABOC to investigate these matters promptly and impartially, and also objected to Parliament being adjourned during a fuel crisis while district development meetings were scheduled on sitting days. Continuation of Debate: CIABOC Remuneration and Service Conditions Read →
- 17 March 2026 Hon. Kins Nelson SJB AI summary Hon. Kins Nelson raised concerns over alleged substandard imported coal, citing committee discussions in which officials acknowledged environmental damage, risks to turbines, increased reliance on oil-based power generation, higher tariffs, and possible power cuts, and called for the President and relevant authorities to intervene. He argued that Parliament should continue meeting during national crises and proposed that the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and party leaders meet to discuss a way forward. He also requested action on disputes affecting farmers in Gal Oya, Hingurakgoda, where Wildlife Department action has halted cultivation, and on alleged improper silt removal and sand mining around Pimburattawa tank in Dimbulagala affecting farmers and fishers. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees Read →
- 17 March 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna raised concerns about the placement of Civil Defence Department personnel recently attached to the Police Department and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, including 5,000 assigned to address the human-elephant conflict. He said complaints had been received from lower-ranking officers about irregular and inhumane placements, and asked whether the Ministry would ensure proper placements or establish a procedure to regulate them. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1 to Q.7 and Standing Order 27(2) questions) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar said the Emergency declared during Cyclone “Ditwah” should be used to maintain essential services, not to intimidate online critics, and questioned the Government’s handling of social media and promised amendments to the Online Safety Bill. He raised concerns over allegedly substandard coal supplied to Norochcholai, citing PUCSL findings of reduced generation capacity, high ash content, shipment delays, and an estimated Rs. 8,497 million loss from nine ships. He warned that continued use of such coal could lead to power cuts or costly diesel generation, and called for penalties, accountability, and for Members of Parliament to inspect Norochcholai before costs are passed to consumers. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Rauff Hakeem) SJB AI summary The Member, on behalf of Hon. Rauff Hakeem, asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details on government schools in the Kandy District damaged by floods, landslides, and the November 2025 cyclone. The question sought lists of fully and partially damaged schools, affected student and staff numbers by education zone, schools at future landslide risk, and whether policy decisions or recommendations had been made to relocate any schools to safer sites. Oral Questions: Various Tabled Answers (Health, Justice, Education) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that factories are not closed arbitrarily and that any environmental concerns would be assessed with recommendations provided to achieve compliance. He requested the relevant details from the Member and undertook to examine the matter the same day. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Minister to intervene regarding the closure of a tin fish canning factory in Bathigama, Dikwella, which had employed about 50 workers. He noted that the District Coordinating Committee had discussed the matter and that the Central Environmental Authority had been advised not to issue an Environmental Protection Licence, and requested urgent action to address environmental issues and enable the factory to reopen as a local alternative to imported tinned fish. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised concerns about operational failures at the Norochcholai coal power plant, citing two non-functioning coal conveyors, reduced generation capacity, and increased flue emissions due to the electrostatic precipitator being offline. He emphasized that statements alone cannot resolve the mechanical problems and implied the need for practical corrective action. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy marked Women’s Day by urging the Government to protect the environment as part of safeguarding women’s dignity and health. He raised concerns about dense black smoke and ash emissions from the Norochcholai coal power plant, alleging substandard coal combustion and possible removal of filtration systems, and said communities in Kalpitiya and surrounding areas were being harmed. He requested a statement to Parliament on decisions taken to control emissions and mitigate environmental damage. Adjournment: National Care Policy and International Women's Day Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that an incident 19 nautical miles offshore occurred within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone and invoked UNCLOS Articles 56, 58 and 88 to state that activities there must be peaceful and conducted with due regard. He said the resulting environmental harm, damage to marine resources and loss of life were contrary to international law. He also pressed the Government to answer his earlier question about a second vessel reportedly near the Port of Colombo. Procedural: Indian Ocean Security Matter and Parliamentary Debate on Sovereignty Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said 14,235 cattle and buffaloes died in the Northern Province, and Rs. 900.49 million had been allocated for compensation under National Budget Circular 08/2025(1)8, with Rs. 258.85 million already paid. He outlined compensation rates for registered farms, emergency support including free medicines, mobile veterinary clinics, and 266,650 kilograms of feed distributed after Cyclone “Ditwah” and floods. He said recovery would continue through the Dairy Hub programme, prioritized provincial projects, and an 18-month Rs. 2,500 million World Bank-supported plan focused on feed, animal welfare, health, infrastructure, and genetic improvement, alongside measures such as permanent shelters, fodder development, farm registration, insurance, and concessional loans. Oral Question (Standing Order 27(2)): Large-scale Cattle Deaths in Northern Province Read →
- 5 March 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan raised an urgent matter on mass livestock deaths in the Northern Province following adverse weather, particularly in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna. He said thousands of cattle, buffaloes and goats had died due to extreme cold, rain and inadequate shelter, causing an estimated direct loss exceeding Rs. 150 million and threatening rural livelihoods. He asked whether the Government had conducted a census of losses, what compensation had been paid or planned, what emergency veterinary support was being provided, and whether long-term grants would be introduced for weather-resilient cattle shelters. Oral Question (Standing Order 27(2)): Large-scale Cattle Deaths in Northern Province Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar alleged serious irregularities in a coal procurement tender, citing PUCSL reports to claim that substandard and delayed shipments had caused financial losses, reduced Norochcholai generation below 300 MW, increased ash content, and created risks to turbine safety. He questioned why delay penalties and bid bond recoveries had not been pursued despite Attorney-General advice, and argued that the Government’s move toward emergency procurement amounted to an implicit admission of failure. He also cautioned against public statements on Middle East-related economic risks that could affect tourism and investment, while denying that the Opposition sought to create fuel panic or blackouts for political advantage. Debate: Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill - Second Reading (Continued) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam asked whether funding could be allocated from the following year to rehabilitate cascade irrigation systems in the Vanni. He said many small and medium tanks, including 222 abandoned tanks in Vavuniya, could support village water needs, livestock, inland fisheries, groundwater recharge, and environmental protection while reducing the need for large irrigation schemes involving deforestation. Oral Question: Irrigation Tanks and Cascade Systems in Vavuniya (Q.1406/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar raised concerns about reported gaps in the payment of Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 compensation to people affected by the cyclone or flooding. He asked the Prime Minister whether clear criteria had been established to ensure that every affected household receives the compensation due to them. Oral Question: Cyclone Ditcha Relief and Compensation (Q.1368/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister provided a detailed update on relief measures following Cyclone “Ditcha”, stating that 2,487,114 persons were affected and tabling district-wise annexes on impacts and grant payments. She said one-time housing grants of Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 had largely been disbursed, while compensation for fully and partially damaged houses was still at an early stage, with remaining funds requested and appeals under review. She also reported that 207,312 affected schoolchildren were eligible for a Rs. 25,000 grant for books, stationery and clothing, funded through Disaster Management allocations and the President’s Fund, with most payments completed but no fixed date set for full completion. Oral Question: Cyclone Ditcha Relief and Compensation (Q.1368/2025) Read →
- 4 March 2026 Hon. S. M. Marikkar SJB AI summary Hon. S. M. Marikkar asked the Prime Minister for detailed information on relief payments following Cyclone “Ditcha” in late 2025, including the island-wide number affected, the status of Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 emergency grants, compensation for damaged houses, eligibility for all households, and timelines for completing payments. He also sought data on affected schoolchildren, the per-child grant amount, payment channels, how many had been paid by 15 February 2025, whether all eligible children would receive assistance, and when those payments would be completed. Oral Question: Cyclone Ditcha Relief and Compensation (Q.1368/2025) Read →