2025-03-07
News Categories : Committee News
The issue of human-wildlife conflict was extensively discussed during the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment, with an emphasis on the need to seek necessary scientific solutions in this regard. Specifically, the responsibilities of relevant institutions were deliberated separately, while issues such as the wildlife conflict and the lack of adequate human and physical resources were identified as key concerns.
During the discussions, Members of Parliament presented concerns to the Committee regarding conflicts arising due to animals that cause crop damage, including elephants, monkeys, grizzled giant squirrel, and peacocks. It was highlighted that immediate action is necessary to control the overpopulation of monkeys, porcupines, and peacocks, as failure to do so could result in a severe crisis in the agricultural sector. During the discussion, Hon. Minister (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi pointed out that although it may be challenging to provide immediate solutions, efforts are being made to implement the necessary remedies as soon as possible.
Furthermore, it was stated that necessary measures are being taken to mitigate the human-elephant conflict and that elephant migratory paths have already been identified. Hon. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody stated that efforts are underway to identify and address obstructed migratory routes. Additionally, he mentioned that within two weeks, necessary measures, including the installation of surveillance camera systems, will be taken to prevent elephant-train collisions.
These discussions took place during the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment, Chaired by Hon. Minister (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi at Parliament on the 05.03.2025.
At the beginning of the Committee meeting, officials from the respective institutions under the purview of the ministry provided clarifications. It was also noted that, for the first time in history, all environment-related institutions have been brought under a single ministry, a move that was commended by both Members of Parliament and officials.
Furthermore, Hon. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody clarified that the assessment scheduled for the 15th of March is not a wildlife census but merely a simple survey. Expanding on this, he explained that the survey is being conducted solely to gather some preliminary data in an area where no prior data is available. He emphasized that it would be inappropriate to ridicule this effort.
Illegal sand mining was also discussed during the meeting, where Hon. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody revealed that approximately 50% of sand mining activities are not legally compliant.
Joining the discussions, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stressed the importance of addressing the issue of workforce adequacy within the Department of Wildlife Conservation. He also inquired about the government's policies on crop insurance, life insurance, and property insurance. Responding to these concerns, Hon. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody stated that the government has taken steps to double the compensation payments under the insurance scheme. However, he also emphasized that the government’s primary objective is to prevent the loss of human lives and property.
The meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee was attended by Hon. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and other Hon. Members of Parliament.
2025-10-27
World Bank representatives have emphasized the importance of maintaining an updated and accurate data system when selecting eligible beneficiaries for the Aswesuma Social Security Programme. They further stated their readiness to provide the necessary technical support and international expertise for this purpose. These observations were made during a joint meeting held recently (Oct. 22) at Parliament, attended by Members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Members of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations; other Honourable Members of Parliament; representatives of the World Bank; and officials of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies. The meeting was held with the participation of the Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage, Minister of Rural Development, Social Empowerment and Welfare; and the Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law, Chairperson of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations. The World Bank delegation included Ms. Francesca Lamanna, Senior Economist for the Social Security Project, and Mr. Srinivas Varadan, Senior Social Security Specialist, along with several others. During the discussions, the World Bank representatives stated that establishing a comprehensive data system for social Security would enable the accurate identification of genuinely poor and vulnerable individuals and families. They noted that the mere inclusion of citizens’ information in the database would not automatically qualify them as Aswesuma beneficiaries. Instead, the data must be verified and analyzed to correctly identify those eligible for relevant benefits. They further emphasized that such a Social Security data system constitutes a productive investment for the country and, therefore, highlighted the need for continuous updating of the data system. Members of Parliament who took part in the discussion also expressed their views regarding issues encountered in distributing Aswesuma benefits. They suggested that the beneficiaries of Aswesuma be selected through local committees and that the list of selected beneficiaries be publicly displayed within the respective village to ensure transparency in the process. Officials involved in implementing the Aswesuma programme stated that certain challenges had arisen due to inadequate information provided to the implementing officers, Divisional Secretaries, and Grama Niladhari officers. However, they noted that measures are currently being taken to properly inform these officers of their respective roles and to obtain their cooperation in ensuring the successful implementation of the programme. This occasion was also attended by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Hon. Ministers, Hon. Deputy Ministers, Hon. Members of Parliament, Ms. Shalika Subasinghe – Advisor to the World Bank, and officials of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.
2025-10-24
The Committee on Public Finance has granted its approval for the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026. This approval was given during a committee meeting held in Parliament yesterday (Oct. 23) under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva. Officials from the Ministry of Finance, who attended the meeting, briefed the Committee on the allocation of funds for various sectors and the targets set for the year 2026. After an extensive discussion on these matters, the Committee granted its approval for the Bill. The Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 is scheduled to be presented to Parliament for the second reading (Budget Speech) by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance on 7th of November.
2025-10-23
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability discussed the financial and physical progress of the budget proposals for the year 2025 of several ministries and the expected progress up to 31.12.2025. This was discussed when the Committee met in Parliament recently (Oct. 21) under the chairmanship of the Hon. Member of Parliament Hector Appuhami. Accordingly, the financial and physical progress of the budget proposals for the year 2025 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure and the Ministry of Environment and the expected progress up to 31.12.2025 were discussed. Addressing the Committee, its Chairman, Hon. Member of Parliament Hector Appuhami stated that a comprehensive report should be submitted to Parliament, based on the inquiries made by the Committee, regarding the utilization of allocations and progress achieved by each relevant ministry under the 2025 budget. He further mentioned that the Committee will review the performance of all ministries that fall under its purview accordingly. The Committee discussed the budget allocations made to each ministry and their expenditure progress, and it was recommended that reports on the fund utilization and progress of essential projects be submitted to the Committee. The Hon. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Hon. Members of Parliament, J.C. Alawathuwala, Attorney-at-Law Sujeewa Senasinghe, Gnanamuththu Srineshan, Roshan Akmeemana, Chathuri Gangani, Susantha Kumara Navaratne, Kitnan Selvaraj, Attorney-at-Law Bhagya Sri Herath, Sudath Balagalla, Attorney-at-Law Chitral Fernando, Upul Kithsiri and M.S. Uthumalebbe also participated in this committee.
2025-10-23
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development held extensive discussions regarding the emergency coal purchases and annual procurement plans carried out by Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited. Particular attention of the Committee was drawn to the tender procedures followed prior to the year 2022 and the amendments made to those procedures after 2022. This matter was taken up at the Committee meeting held in Parliament recently (Oct. 17th) under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament S. M. Marikkar. Officials representing the Ministry of Power and Energy, Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka, and the Department of the Auditor General were present at this meeting. During the discussions, following inquiries made from the officials regarding the manner in which emergency coal purchases had been conducted prior to 2022, the Committee Chairman recommended that a comprehensive report containing all data related to such emergency purchases be submitted to the Committee. The Committee also discussed the current stock levels of coal held by Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited, the duration for which those stocks would be sufficient, and the quantities of coal expected to be purchased in the future. Hon. Members of Parliament Nalin Bandara, Jagath Vithana, and Asitha Niroshan Egoda Vithana also participated in this Committee meeting.
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
How Parliament Works
Business of Parliament
Copyright © The Parliament of Sri Lanka.
All Rights Reserved.
Design & Developed by TekGeeks
