His appointment by Liz Truss has already caused alarm due to Mr Jayawardena's voting record, which shows he has "consistently voted against measures to prevent climate change", and also against government support for renewable energy projects, according to the website They Work For You.
Despite this stance, he has previously said he recognises the importance of the UK taking climate action, and has campaigned for improved recycling as well as supporting government moves to ban plastic straws in 2020.
An MP since 2015 and formerly a junior minister at the trade department, Mr Jayawardena replaces George Eustice, who was appointed to the role by Boris Johnson in February 2020.
Mr Jayawardena's voting record suggests he favours a light touch when it comes to environment regulations that could impact business.
The records on They Work For You show Mr Jayawardena voted "not to require a 'climate and nature emergency impact statement' as part of any proposal for financial assistance under a United Kingdom Internal Market Act", in September 2020.
He also voted "not to require ministers to have due regard to the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 when taking actions including setting up agricultural subsidy schemes", in October 2020.
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