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.
2026-06-25
The report submitted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) regarding the disappearance of USD 2.5 million that had been held by the Treasury for the repayment of state debt was discussed at a recent meeting of the Committee.The meeting was held in Parliament on the 23rd June under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva, with the participation of Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, and Nishantha Jayaweera, as well as Hon. Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Rauff Hakeem, Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Ajith Alahakoon, Nimal Palihena, Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, Wijesiri Basnayake, Champika Hettiarachchi, M.K.M. Aslam, and Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.The report submitted by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to the Committee on Public Finance on the 8th regarding the disappearance of USD 2.5 million was subsequently examined by officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Following this review, the Central Bank submitted a report containing its observations and views to the Committee.Extensive discussions were held on the report presented by the Central Bank. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance stated that, after considering both the report submitted by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the report submitted by the Central Bank, a final report would be prepared and presented to Parliament in due course.Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Varuna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy; Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and officials of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) were also preset at the meeting.
2026-06-23
The Department of the Public Trustee was summoned before the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) to examine the Auditor General's triennial report for the years 2021–2023, matters raised in the Auditor General’s Report for 2024 and the Department’s current performance. The discussion took place when COPA met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Kabir Hashim.During the meeting, the Chairman inquired about the implementation of a recommendation made at the Committee’s meeting in May 2024. The recommendation requested a report containing details of the various avenues through which the Department receives assets, the dates on which those assets were received, the parties that transferred them, and the conditions attached to such transfers.Officials informed the Committee that the relevant report had been submitted. The Committee further recommended that a report on the number of trusts and properties currently held by the Department of the Public Trustee be provided.The Committee also questioned officials regarding the tender process to lease 113 acres of land belonging to the Harry Hapugoda property in Suduvelipotha, Baddegama, Galle. Officials stated that a bid exceeding the assessed value of the property had been received. It was also revealed that portions of the land are being occupied without authorization by various parties.Attention was further drawn to the maintenance of the Richmond Castle building. Officials informed the Committee that modernization and renovation work is expected to commence in July. Committee members also observed that although the coconut harvest from the estate is satisfactory, the property is not being maintained adequately.The meeting was attended by committee member and Hon. Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, along with Hon. Members of Parliament and committee members Chanaka Madugoda, J.C. Alawathuwala, Oshani Umanga, Sagarika Athauda (Attorney-at-Law), T.K. Jayasundara, Chandana Suriyaarachchi, Ajantha Gammeddage, Lal Premanath, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody and Sunil Ratnasiri.
2026-06-23
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. During the meeting, Hon. Members of Parliament raised a range of current issues affecting the education sector.The Committee discussed several matters, including the need to introduce a standardized plan and model for primary school construction, administrative issues in assisted schools, teacher transfer-related concerns, the progress of school construction projects at the provincial level, challenges within the vocational education sector and future development plans.Following discussions with relevant officials, the Hon. Prime Minister instructed them to take immediate action to address the issues raised and to implement the necessary measures without delay.The Committee also reviewed the progress of the subcommittees established under the Ministerial Consultative Committee.The meeting was attended by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Nalin Hewage, a group of Hon. Members of Parliament and officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa.
2026-06-19
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment focused its attention on the issue of water pollution in the Kelani River when it met in Parliament recently (10th June) under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi.During the meeting, the Committee was briefed on the progress of discussions being held with companies that have expressed willingness to invest in a project aimed at cleaning the waters of the Kelani River.The Committee also discussed a number of proposals and other issues raised by Hon. Members of Parliament.The meeting was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament and officials.
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