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- 3 February 2026 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment met on 3 February 2026 under the chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Pattabendi. The record lists the Members who attended the committee meeting, but does not provide details of any debate, decisions, proposals, questions, or policy matters discussed. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary M.A.M. Thahir questioned recent statements by ruling party members about retaining power and “state power,” and argued that the Government must address practical public needs rather than repeat past practices. He said rural schools still lack basic facilities, parents continue to be asked to fund furniture and resources despite promises of change, and cold weather linked to climate conditions may require adjustments to school arrangements. He called for an accelerated coastal erosion mitigation programme in affected Eastern Province areas, citing exposed graves in Maligakadu and Nintavur-Attappallam and slow progress on promised works. He also urged the Minister of Cultural Affairs to reduce political interference in mosque administration and empower the relevant department to appoint suitable permanent administrators. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary Minister Dammika Patabendi stated that if specific bottlenecks in approving tourism proposals are identified, the Ministry can intervene to expedite the process while ensuring regulatory compliance. He requested that the relevant proposals and issues be presented for discussion and prompt action. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera highlighted that about 70% of Monaragala’s land falls under the Forest and Wildlife Departments and argued this represents a significant tourism asset. He asked whether the Government would streamline Forest Department approvals for tourism investments on such lands while maintaining conservation safeguards. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged the complexity of the human-elephant conflict and stated that, once land is transferred to Divisional Secretaries, decisions on its use fall under their authority. He said proposals to create reserves or protective measures in sensitive areas could be considered through due process under the Ministry’s “Green Country” programme, though the process would take time. He added that the Ministry cannot directly intervene in lands already released to Divisional Secretaries but is willing to discuss specific proposals. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera raised concerns about unauthorized occupation of lands transferred to Divisional Secretaries in the Wandama–Demaliya area of Buttala DS since 2021. He noted that traditional chena cultivation has been affected by increased elephant encroachment and that large areas are being fenced off with elephant fences, and asked what measures the Forest Department will take to address the situation. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister provided statistical details on forest and wildlife lands in Monaragala District, stating that 228,001 hectares are under the Forest Conservation Department and 170,752 hectares under the Wildlife Conservation Department. He said 20,760 hectares were handed over to Divisional Secretaries in 2021, of which 472.082 hectares were released on long-term lease to named parties including the Ceylon Electricity Board and several private entities. He also detailed the extents of Wandama and Demaliya forests under Forest Department administration and the portions released, including 256.248 hectares leased in Buttala and none in Wellawaya. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that if specific information is provided, the Ministry will promptly act on issues related to abandoned sites or projects. He noted that causes may include environmental impacts and reduced water flow, and said the Ministry would coordinate with relevant agencies to take necessary action. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked what action the Ministry can take regarding small and medium hydropower plants that have completed their contracts or been abandoned, particularly in sensitive headwater and tributary areas. He raised concerns about environmental damage after operations ceased and sought clarification on ownership responsibilities and remediation where contract conditions have not been met. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody stated that obligations linked to development projects may arise either from voluntary commitments or from enforceable contractual terms. He said the Government can intervene where contractual obligations are breached, including through environmental authorities, the Irrigation Department, or under Power Purchase Agreements, but requires specific details to do so. He added that no sufficient information has yet been received to justify intervention, while reported matters are being handled by the relevant agencies. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Dr. Nandana Millagala questioned whether there is a legal mechanism to enforce community development and infrastructure commitments made during approvals for small hydropower projects in Yatiyantota and Bulathkohupitiya. He asked whether the Ministry would intervene where promised community services connected to such projects have not been delivered. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister of Energy stated that there are eight power plants in Yatiyantota and five in Bulathkohupitiya, with details of developers, projects, DS Divisions, and capacities provided in an annex. He said grid connection requires a PUCSL generation licence and an SLSEA energy permit, which in turn requires environmental, irrigation, and other agency clearances. He further noted that compliance is monitored by the Central Environmental Authority, SLSEA, and PUCSL, and that relevant agencies take legal action where there is non-compliance. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala asked the Minister of Energy for detailed information on small hydropower plants in the Yatiyantota and Bulathkohupitiya Divisional Secretariat Divisions. He sought separate figures on the number of plants, legal approvals, contribution to the National Grid, compliance with environmental and social obligations, regulatory oversight, and whether legal action is taken against non-compliant owners. Oral Questions: Heda Oya Irrigation, Thondaman Foundation, Schools, Hydropower, Sugar Factories, Ragama Town, Monaragala Lands, Badulla Cooperatives Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said many housing projects, including in Anuradhapura and Hambantota, remain incomplete or unoccupied due to construction in elephant corridors, forest areas, disputed lands, and flawed beneficiary selection. He stated that the National Housing Development Authority faces wider problems, including poor loan recovery, and has been asked to provide full information. He proposed appointing a special committee to develop national recommendations on resolving land overlaps, reallocating completed houses, selecting deserving beneficiaries, and addressing loan recovery issues. Oral Question: Housing Projects Implemented by NHDA - Details and Transparency Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Asked that specific polluted sites and the type of pollution be identified, stating that prompt intervention and action would follow once details are provided. Oral Question: Lonach Dairy Farm - Environmental Compliance and Waste Disposal Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Asked whether the Ministry would take focused, time-bound action regarding livestock farms in Nuwara Eliya District that are allegedly operating in environmentally harmful ways. Oral Question: Lonach Dairy Farm - Environmental Compliance and Waste Disposal Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi challenged the adequacy of the response given regarding Lonach Farm, alleging ongoing environmental pollution and public hardship since 2017 despite a prohibition order, fines, and repeated complaints. He stated that large volumes of animal waste mixed with liquid were being discharged into streams feeding the Kelani River and asked how relevant authorities granted approvals despite these impacts. He called for urgent action by the authorities, including the Central Environmental Authority and the Ministry. Oral Question: Lonach Dairy Farm - Environmental Compliance and Waste Disposal Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Central Environmental Authority granted Initial Environmental Examination approval for the farm in 2016, while its Environmental Protection Licence is issued by the BOI with CEA concurrence under Gazette No. 2265/18. He said the farm’s licence was last valid from January 2023 to January 2024, but CEA has not concurred in a further licence due to liquid and solid waste disposal issues. Following complaints and a media report alleging discharge into Keselgamu Oya, CEA and BOI agreed on directives, an action plan, joint inspections and water sampling, with possible legal action by BOI if required measures are not implemented. Oral Question: Lonach Dairy Farm - Environmental Compliance and Waste Disposal Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB AI summary Manjula Suraweera Arachchi asked the Minister of Environment whether the Lonach Dairy Farm had met environmental legal requirements at commencement and whether it has obtained annual environmental licences from 2020 onward. He also requested details on daily animal waste disposal, compliance with environmental recommendations, any violations by management, and actions taken, or reasons if such information cannot be provided. Oral Question: Lonach Dairy Farm - Environmental Compliance and Waste Disposal Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about a land handover in Kinniya for tourism, noting public confusion in Trincomalee about whether tourism development may be linked to increased Israeli arrivals, especially following the Deputy Minister’s visit to Israel. He said elephant movements affect much of the district, including areas with educational institutions, and urged the Government to address the difficulties faced by students. He requested that any error in the land decision be corrected and that the possibility of continuing educational activities at the site be examined. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →