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- 18 February 2026 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth asked whether the Government would reconsider the ban on using winch machines in shore seine fishing, citing livelihood difficulties for 16 identified fishers in Pottuvil (Jalaldeen Square) and Kuda Kallli. He acknowledged the environmental rationale for the prohibition but proposed allowing controlled use of winches in a manner that avoids environmental harm while reducing the need to mobilize 30–50 labourers for each operation. Oral Question: Fishery Buildings and Shore Seine Fishing in Pottuvil (1750/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala raised a supplementary question regarding resettlement after the “Ditsa” cyclone, noting that over 300 high-risk houses remain near Seepoth and Berannawa. He asked whether part of the underutilized lands at Nagastenna could be allocated, subject to proper technical clearance, to relocate some of the affected families. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister stated that underutilized estate lands should be used to meet national economic and social needs, including raising made tea production to 400 million kg and export earnings to USD 2.5 billion by 2030. He said the Government would prioritize appropriate cultivation on such lands while protecting natural forests, removing invasive species, and aligning estate land use with Environment Ministry policies promoting indigenous forest cover. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 18 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Asked whether the Ministry has a plan to manage land in Nagastenna, noting that some terraced areas contain mature pine while other areas are affected by invasive species such as manna and attimuru. He requested systematic removal of these species and consideration of directing the land toward suitable crop cultivation. Oral Question: Hazards Faced by Plantation Workers: Preventive Measures (1466/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary Minister Abayarathna responded on waste management at the Athulathmudaligama/Barabinduwa site, stating it is used for composting, temporary waste storage, recycling transfer and disposal preparation, with odour and vector control measures in place. He said accumulated mixed waste near the entrance has been removed, supervision assigned, and drainage and water testing are being arranged in response to concerns about a nearby community well. He reported that the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha and Waste Management Committee are pursuing acquisition of about five acres from LRC land for improved waste management, supported by Rs. 13 million in Provincial Council funding for water supply, machinery, concreting, drainage, roofing and related works. He added that steps are also being taken to release Maddegodara LRC land and that the Provincial Council will assist the local authority despite the matter falling under the Pradeshiya Sabha. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Jagath Vithana SJB AI summary Hon. Jagath Vithana raised concerns about health and environmental problems caused by the unsuitable waste management site for the Mathugama Pradeshiya Sabha at Athulathmudaligama. He asked the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to address foul odours, pests, roadside garbage, and the risk of contamination to a nearby community water scheme well. He requested an urgent site inspection and the allocation of suitable Land Reforms Commission land for a proper waste management facility, noting the site’s proximity to schools and the town. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody said the Rs. 10 billion required for the CEB voluntary retirement scheme would be paid by the Treasury and not included in electricity tariffs, and that other costs such as cyclone losses and coal-related losses were also not in the CEB’s tariff note from 1 April. He rejected claims of an impending 20 per cent tariff increase, stating that the PUCSL would determine any adjustment, and argued that the Government was acting to avoid burdening consumers. He also said the Government was addressing alleged vested interests in the energy sector and had awarded 160 MW of battery energy storage systems, with a further 300 MW planned for the year. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Energy Minister on the rollout of renewable energy, alleging resistance from vested interests and warning that electricity tariff increases of 13.56 per cent could be followed by a further 20 per cent increase due to coal imports. He asked how CEB cashflows would cover cyclone-related expenditure, how major transmission investment gaps would be bridged, and how coal quality, procurement, and load port certification issues at Norochcholai would be addressed. He urged the Minister not to permit an additional tariff hike and raised concerns that fuel oil generation was being used to cover an 80 MW shortfall, creating further losses for consumers. Ministry Statement: Reforms of Ceylon Electricity Board Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised the lack of sports grounds with adequate lighting and facilities for night-time football, cricket and other sports in his area. He noted that increased night competitions and climate-related preferences for evening play make such facilities important, and asked whether the Government plans to establish them to support athletes. Oral Question: McHeyzer Stadium, Trincomalee - Development (Q.7/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the National Electricity Policy had undergone an initial 21-day public comment period and that the revised final draft was again open for comments on the ministry website until 19 February, incorporating many earlier submissions. He said the Government was proceeding with renewable energy integration, including a 160 MW Battery Energy Storage System for solar power, with the Letter of Award process begun, and a further 300 MW BESS tender expected within two months. He identified transmission network limitations as the main constraint and said financing and expansion of the network were being prioritized. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka SJB AI summary Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka questioned the limited five-day public consultation period for the Draft National Electricity Policy, noting that at least 14 days is generally expected. He raised concerns that the policy gives insufficient attention to renewable energy, particularly solar power, and asked what concrete steps are being taken to support solar-based generation, including battery capacity and related technical measures. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that a supplementary question on coal procurement was procedurally valid because it related to the original question on renewable energy and solar power. He stated that coal procurement affects the wider power system, renewable capacity, and electricity tariffs, making it relevant to the energy-sector discussion. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 17 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy answered a parliamentary question on solar power, stating that approximately 9 GWh is added daily to the National Grid from solar generation and that current contract tariffs average Rs. 17.168 per kWh, within a range of Rs. 12.73 to Rs. 37.46. He said solar purchase tariffs are set by an inter-agency committee using a cost-reflective formula, with Cabinet approval, and detailed the fixed feed-in tariffs and rooftop solar rates introduced in 2025. He also noted that the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan 2025–2044 targets 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and that Battery Energy Storage Systems are being implemented to manage surplus solar energy for peak demand. Oral Question: Electricity Generated by Solar Panels (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan addressed allegations that multiday fishers were assaulted, noting that India had formally denied Coast Guard involvement while Sri Lankan authorities rescued and hospitalized the fishers and pursued investigations with India and domestically. He said beach-seine fisheries must be regulated under the 1984 Beach Seine Regulations and argued that tractor-assisted net dragging damages coastlines, seabeds, and small-scale fishers’ livelihoods. He stated that a stakeholder-agreed tractor ban took effect on 1 January 2026, that court proceedings and protests were ongoing, and that the Ministry would discuss lawful concerns but would not permit prohibited fishing methods. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Thushari Jayasingha supported the extension of Emergency Regulations in the context of relief and recovery after the “Ditva” cyclone, arguing that the Government is providing compensation, resettlement land, housing assistance and development projects in affected areas of Kandy District. She rejected Opposition criticism on environmental and disaster issues, saying some harmful quarrying, tank construction and land acquisition decisions predated the current Government and contributed to later damage. She cited specific recovery measures including the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, housing support in Kundasale, and the Mahaiyawa tunnel road project costing Rs. 699.6 million. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath supported extending the emergency, arguing it is necessary to coordinate state institutions and accelerate disaster management and recovery after the “Ditva” cyclone. He said the Government is using emergency powers only for relief, compensation, restoration of housing, fields, tanks and bunds, and institutional coordination, contrasting this with alleged past misuse of emergency powers by previous administrations. He rejected Opposition criticism as politically motivated, defended the Government’s record on media freedom, and urged a unified national approach to disaster recovery. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem argued that disaster response powers under the Disaster Management Act would have been sufficient, making the continued extension of emergency regulations unnecessary and open to abuse. He cited landslide and rockfall risks in Udunuwara and surrounding areas, alleging inaction by officials despite deaths, damaged homes, destroyed roads, and concerns over quarrying permits, and tabled residents’ representations to the President while calling for proper inspections and valuations. He also raised delays and permit issues affecting the Eastern Province palmyrah industry, including mechanization approvals and compensation for damage. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody supported extending Emergency Regulations under the Public Security Ordinance, stating that they were being used solely to coordinate relief and recovery after Cyclone “Ditwah,” not for political suppression. He described widespread damage across 22 districts, including heavy rainfall, flooding, more than 1,250 landslide sites, around 650 deaths, 173 missing persons, and extensive housing destruction. He said the Emergency enabled rapid inter-agency action through the Essential Services Commissioner General, including mobilizing technical personnel for NBRO assessments, and urged the Opposition to support the extension. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy challenged the Minister’s denial of ash-related pollution from coal use, stating that local residents could confirm the problem and asking for a substantive response covering the full period in question, not only 2015 or 2016. He raised concern about low-quality coal and its environmental impact, and argued that the Minister of Environment should address the matter in Parliament as part of his responsibility. Oral Question: Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Ash Sales (Q.68/2025) Read →
- 6 February 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Kumara Jayakody said environmental reporting should be handled by the Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies, and that any recommendations from them on fly ash would be implemented. He argued that fly ash from the relevant facility is trapped and collected rather than released into the environment, with demand for it from buyers including the Road Development Authority. He also stated that the Government had allocated LKR 39 million in its first year for the referenced social welfare purpose, contrasting this with lower spending under the previous Government in 2015 and 2017. Oral Question: Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Ash Sales (Q.68/2025) Read →