Sitting of Thursday, 23 October 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22641 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening and Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Regulations under Sri Lanka Electricity Act 1 speeches
- 3 Committee report Committee Reports: Sectoral Oversight Committee on Public Administration, Justice and Civil Security 3 speeches
- 4 Petitions Petitions Presented 4 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Tachchankulam–Moonrumurippu Main Road (Q.1/2025) 6 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Train Services to North and East (Q.3/2025) 9 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Road from Weppamkulam to Silawathurai (Q.5/2025) 4 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Question: Alternative Lands Distributed out of LRC Lands (Q.6/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Leased Out LRC Lands in Kandy District (Q.7/2025) 4 speeches
- 10 Oral question Oral Question: Endenirigama Railway Platform Renovation (Q.8/2025) 2 speeches
- 11 Oral question Oral Question: Students Admitted to Government Universities for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (Q.9/2025) 2 speeches
- 12 Oral question Oral Question: Insurance Coverage for SLTB Buses (Q.10/2025) 2 speeches
- 13 Oral question Oral Question: SLPA Lands in Trincomalee (Q.11/2025) 2 speeches
- 14 Oral question Oral Question: Wild Elephants at Horowpothana Elephant Holding Ground (Q.12/2025) 2 speeches
- 15 Oral question Urgent Question: Digital Infrastructure Outage (Standing Order 27(2)) 5 speeches
- 16 Procedural Privilege Matter: Parliamentary Privilege and Code of Conduct Violation 12 speeches
- 17 Procedural Procedural Motions: Sitting Hours and Scheduling 4 speeches
- 18 Procedural Procedural Discussion: Appropriation Bill Amendment and Finance Ministry Clarification 8 speeches
- 19 Adjournment Adjournment Motion Proposal 4 speeches
- 20 Debate Adjournment Debate: Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Nation Together Programme (Ratama Ekata) 95 speeches
- The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe moved an adjournment motion calling for support for the Government’s “Nation Together” national anti-narcotics programme, arguing that organized crime, drug trafficking and political protection had previously reinforced one another and that ending such protection is not sufficient on its own. He urged updated laws to seize illicit proceeds, stronger enforcement against organized crime and drug networks, and broad public participation in making communities safer. Citing a Negombo-area survey on drug use and the scale of daily drug-related cash flows, he said narcotics profits fuel violence and rival criminal groups, and announced that the national operation would be launched under the President’s leadership at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on the 30th.
- Mr. Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana supported the motion to implement the “Nation Together” programme as a national anti-drug plan, arguing that enforcement against supply must be combined with measures to reduce demand, especially among youth. He proposed strengthening impartial law enforcement, expanding sports, arts, literature, cultural and community programmes, and mobilizing religious institutions, schools and wider society. He also raised concerns about alleged political links to underworld networks and called on the Opposition and youth, including those involved in the aragalaya, to join the programme launching on the 30th under the President and the Ministry of Public Security.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman condemned the assassination of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara and criticized the Minister of Public Security for suggesting alleged criminal links after the killing instead of calling for due process and justice. He questioned the Government’s claim that it is dismantling a “criminal state,” alleging that officials implicated in past misconduct, including the 2019 Dr. Shafi case, had been protected or promoted despite investigative records. He tabled related material and called for accountability in unresolved cases involving attacks on journalists, media institutions, and other alleged political crimes.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala supported the proposed “Nation Together” national operation to eradicate drugs, stating that Cabinet has established a multi-sector National Council and district, local and grassroots mechanisms involving security forces, public officers, religious leaders and Public Security Committees. He said the plan addresses organized crime, illicit firearms, drug supply chains, illegal assets, public awareness and rehabilitation, including 25 additional rehabilitation centres and 6,250 awareness programmes with Budget 2026 support. He also referred to the Weligama incident, saying police teams had been deployed and arrests would follow, and stressed that police promotions are handled by the National Police Commission while the Government pursues law enforcement against drugs, underworld activity, bribery and corruption.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake objected to the Minister of Public Security’s characterization of the assassination of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara as an underworld-related killing. He argued that the deceased should not be labelled before the investigation is completed and urged the Minister to focus on arresting the gunman and identifying those responsible. He said any conclusion about an underworld link should follow evidence from the investigation, not precede it.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala rejected allegations made by another Member as false and malicious, stating that the Government has acted within the law and is committed to protecting lives. He said the Government is working to establish the rule of law and a just society, and pledged that all offenders would be brought before justice while also assuring security for Hon. Chamara Sampath.
- The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB
AI summary The Minister said the Government’s anti-drug and law-and-order campaign aims to dismantle drug supply chains and underworld networks, arguing that past political links with such groups had enabled the problem. He said investigations into incidents such as the Weligama Chairman’s killing should proceed and that arrests would be handled lawfully, while forthcoming legal amendments would allow prosecution in Sri Lanka of offenders, including foreign crews, apprehended on the high seas. He invited the Opposition and wider society to support the President’s anti-drug programme launching on the 30th, stressing both supply suppression and demand reduction through community, professional, religious, and rehabilitation efforts, with addicts treated as patients and traffickers imprisoned.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa argued that the rise in shootings and killings in 2025 amounts to a national security crisis and accused the Government of failing to uphold the rule of law. He cited the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, noting that Wickramasekara had written to the Inspector-General of Police requesting protection and had submitted an affidavit warning of an assassination threat; Premadasa tabled those documents. He questioned why security was not provided despite the request, referred to reported figures of 101 shootings, 52 deaths and 56 injuries in 2025, and demanded that the Government accept responsibility for the failure to protect the local authority chairman.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of failing on national security and allowing underworld, drug-related and violent criminal activity to grow, citing the death of a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman as a matter for which the Government bears responsibility. He rejected claims linking his party to criminal gangs and said the Opposition would support lawful reforms and action to defeat such groups. He also warned against using crime suppression to target the Opposition and asked what steps would be taken to protect civilians, MPs and local representatives, noting that Opposition MPs’ security had been withdrawn despite requests to the IGP and authorities.
- The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath said the Government is pursuing a national programme to eradicate narcotics and organized crime, strengthen the legal framework, and enforce the law after one year in office. He accused previous administrations and elements within Opposition party structures of protecting or associating with criminal and drug networks, while calling on Opposition parties to remove such individuals and stop shielding them. He said investigations would proceed into incidents such as the Weligama Chairman’s murder and emphasized that drug use, including “ice” among children, is a national problem requiring collective action.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka raised a point of Order in Parliament. No further substantive argument, proposal, or question was included in the recorded speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka briefly referred to a statement by the Deputy Minister that a former Minister’s father-in-law had been killed. No further substantive argument, proposal, or question is included in the provided excerpt.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka objected to an implied reference concerning the murder of his wife’s father and rejected allegations of underworld links. He challenged the Deputy Minister to repeat such claims outside Parliament and noted that he had taken legal action against media outlets over similar statements.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB
AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath called for cross-party support to combat crime, drugs, and the underworld, saying the Government would enforce the law regardless of political affiliation. Referring to the murder of the Weligama Chairman, he warned against politicizing the case in ways that could obscure the real perpetrators. He argued that rebuilding the country required not only economic recovery but also social and cultural renewal, with the Opposition and citizens cooperating in a national programme for public safety.
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran supported the Adjournment Motion on curbing organized crime and drug trafficking, calling for stronger laws and penalties, including against any politicians linked to drugs, while pledging cooperation. He also raised broader accountability issues, urging investigations and punishment over alleged killings of surrendering Tamils in 2009, citing recent remarks attributed to Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, and called for international investigations due to Tamil distrust of domestic mechanisms. He further demanded justice for the Easter Sunday attack victims, alleging failure to act against implicated military officers and politicians.
- The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Susantha Dodawatta supported the Government’s “Ratama Ekata” programme to curb organized crime and drug trafficking, arguing that crime, drugs and politics have long been interconnected and require a national response beyond partisan blame. He said recent murders, including the Midigama “Kajja” and Weligama Chairman cases, should be investigated impartially, while noting Government measures such as the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 5 of 2025, proposed stronger laws and specialized courts, international cooperation, new detection equipment, and operations by the Navy, STF and Police. He urged public participation through confidential hotlines, asked the media not to glorify criminals, and called on both Government and Opposition to support the programme.
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa argued that efforts against drugs and organized crime will fail if criminal networks receive State protection, and called for stronger intelligence, including maritime and international intelligence, and transparent action on disputed container releases and alleged drug-related incidents. He questioned Government handling of arrests, detention orders, analyst reports, and protection requests, citing alleged procedural inconsistencies involving the Navy Commander, Easter attack intelligence, court and local government killings, and the release of 323 containers. He urged a non-politicized programme to combat drugs, including expanded rehabilitation capacity, jobs, and mental health support for recovering youth, while alleging political pressure within law enforcement and selective action against rival criminal groups.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera supported the “Ratama Ekata” national programme as a coordinated effort to strengthen laws and institutions against drugs and organized crime, which he linked to trafficking, corruption, weapons smuggling, and past political protection. He cited concerns including youth drug use, a high proportion of drug-related prisoners, alleged police involvement, and international criminal networks, and said enforcement would involve the Police, STF, Tri-Forces, Customs, Immigration, Prisons, intelligence services, and global cooperation. He emphasized both supply reduction, including naval interdictions such as a recent seizure near Tangalle, and demand reduction through rehabilitation, community policing, “Praja Shakthi,” poverty alleviation, and protection of vulnerable children and families. He called on the Opposition, public institutions, schools, religious leaders, and citizens to join the programme as a national mission.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala moved that Kitnan Selvaraj take the Chair during the sitting. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Kitnan Selvaraj assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi criticized the Government’s handling of public security following the assassination of Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, citing reported increases in shootings and deaths and condemning the Public Security Minister for referring to the deceased as a criminal despite no court conviction. He said Wickramasekara had requested police protection two months earlier due to threats and argued that the IGP and relevant ministers should be held responsible for the failure to act. He also questioned the release of 323 uninspected containers, the handling of alleged drug and weapons-related incidents in Midigama and Weligama, and demanded answers from the Defence and Public Security Ministers.
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala addressed the Presiding Member only, with no substantive statement, proposal, question, or policy issue recorded in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Ananda Wijepala clarified a statement made the previous day concerning the killing of Lasantha Wickramasekara, alias “Midigama Ceo.” He stated that police records identify the deceased as an IRC-registered offender in the State crime registry, and explained that while police may provide protection to victims and witnesses under the relevant law, the Police Department has no authority to provide such protection to registered offenders.
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Hon. Chathura Galappaththi rose on a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or question was recorded in the provided extract.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chathura Galappaththi SJB
AI summary Chathura Galappaththi criticized the Government’s response to killings, alleging that it routinely labels victims as registered criminals or drug dealers as a ready-made justification. He argued that such explanations are simplistic and inadequate for addressing deaths or accountability.
Law & Order Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe argued that the Government is pursuing a national campaign, “Ratama Ekata,” to combat drugs, organized crime and the spread of “ice,” including alleged domestic production in areas such as Hambantota. He said the Government does not condone murders, but referred to the criminal record and pending cases of a slain local authority chairman to argue that the incident reflected specific criminal circumstances, while accusing previous administrations of protecting or failing to act against criminal-political networks. He stated that a report on the container issue has been handed to the CID and pledged that the Government would not protect criminals, interfere politically in investigations, or provide police protection to registered offenders. He called on the public, including schools, religious leaders and communities, to support efforts to make Sri Lanka drug-free.
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar criticised the Government over public security following the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, arguing that authorities should not justify the murder by labelling him an underworld figure after the fact. He questioned why the Chairman had not been arrested earlier if allegations existed and said the Government must accept responsibility for failing to protect elected representatives. He also urged the Government to investigate past high-profile killings from the Rajapaksa era while ensuring that present governance does not continue what he described as criminal-state practices.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the adjournment debate on combating drug trafficking and organized crime, arguing that Sri Lanka has moved from drug use and transit to production, with political patronage enabling the growth of criminal networks. He cited incidents in the Northern Province, including drug tablet seizures and ICE-related deaths in Mannar, and said youth, students, and families are especially at risk because users can be difficult to identify. He called for a coordinated national programme led by the President involving police, armed forces, health services, government departments, women, families, and the public, with treatment and rehabilitation for users and cooperation from the Opposition.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary D.V. Chanaka rejected insinuations made in Parliament linking his murdered uncle to the underworld, stating that no police report or complaint contains such allegations and that he has filed legal action against a media outlet over similar claims. He challenged the Deputy Minister concerned to repeat the allegations outside Parliament and said continued references to the murder caused distress to his family. He also questioned the release of two containers allegedly flagged by the U.S. DEA and UNODC as containing ICE, asking whether a lawyer linked to a senior Cabinet Minister or officials helped secure their release and demanding answers on why Customs, police, and related personnel had not been arrested after six months.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara supported the adjournment motion on strengthening the legal framework against drugs and organized crime, while condemning a recent murder and rejecting claims that such assassinations are unprecedented. He said the Government’s “Ratama Ekata” programme, implemented at district and divisional levels, aims to eradicate drugs and organized crime, which he described as threats to youth, public health, national security, and global peace. He called for collective action, stronger screening of political candidates, tighter airport and maritime security, and enhanced attention to fishing harbours, coastal villages, anchorage points, and the northern, eastern, and western coastal zones to prevent drug smuggling.
- The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara JJB
AI summary Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara concluded by referring to the Government’s policy declaration under the theme “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.” He said its aim was broader than financial prosperity, emphasizing national development through improved attitudes, knowledge, and physical and mental well-being for future generations.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that drug use in the North and East was minimal in areas influenced or controlled by the LTTE during the ceasefire period, while it increased after the military took control, particularly after 2009. He alleged that military involvement and police inaction have contributed to the spread of narcotics, including claims that suspected traffickers seek refuge in army camps and complaints are not recorded. He contended that drug prevention requires accountable administration by and for the affected communities, linking the issue to broader demands for local control over safety, welfare, education, health, and resolution of the national question.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary G.G. Ponnambalam said drug abuse was worsening educational and social conditions in the North, which he linked to a decline in the Northern Province’s education rankings after 2009. He supported government efforts to eliminate drugs but urged a shift from punitive measures against users toward a public health and human rights approach, citing a 2023 UN Human Rights Office report and prison overcrowding as evidence of policy failure. He called for harsher action against traffickers, the removal of the military from anti-drug operations—particularly in the North and East—and the issuance of a White Paper for public and expert consultation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha said the adjournment debate on eliminating drugs and organized crime was timely in light of a recent killing, which he condemned as unacceptable in a just society. He argued that Sri Lanka’s social and political history had enabled criminal networks, death squads, and drug trafficking, and accused former ruling parties now in Opposition of exploiting public grief for political purposes. He called for society to unite against the underworld, drug crime, and the political culture he said had sustained them, stating that there should be no future space for such criminal elements.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir welcomed the adjournment motion on controlling drug operations and said drug trafficking and organized crime must be addressed through stronger arrests and punishments. He linked the drugs problem, particularly in the North and East, to alleged past involvement of military, naval, police personnel or deserters, arguing that it had targeted Muslim and Tamil communities and affected education. He also referred to post-2009 communal violence, the “Grease Devil” incidents, Aluthgama and Digana riots, and the Easter attacks, calling on the government to identify and disclose those behind such events and to resolve tensions between Christian and Muslim communities.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Hasara Liyanage supported the Government’s “Ratama Ekata” national programme to eradicate dangerous drugs, arguing that after economic stabilization the country must address the social crisis caused by drugs and organized crime. She said the programme combines supply reduction through raids and prosecutions with demand reduction, public participation, school-level prevention, religious and community involvement, and youth education. Citing 187,872 pending drug-related cases, risks among 14-16 year olds in the Southern Province, and over 17,000 identified at-risk children, she highlighted planned measures including district rehabilitation centres, proceeds-of-crime confiscation, Divisional Secretariat interventions, and allocations through the Clean Sri Lanka 2025 Fund.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka moved that Hon. Chanaka Madugoda take the Chair as the Presiding Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage formally seconded the motion before the House. The question was then put and agreed to, after which the Chair changed from Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj to Hon. Chanaka Madugoda.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera condemned the Minister of Public Security’s response to the murder of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, arguing that labelling the victim before due process violated the presumption of innocence and undermined the rule of law. He demanded immediate security assurances for public representatives from local bodies to Parliament and warned against trivializing attacks on elected officials. He also argued that drug seizures and arrests do not address deeper social and economic causes of crime, linking instability to poverty, weak governance, and foreign geopolitical influence. He urged the Opposition to act more decisively and unite where possible in response to what he described as a serious threat to democracy and public representatives’ safety.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel JJB
AI summary Hon. Ambika Samivel supported the national programme to eliminate drugs and organized crime, rejecting Opposition claims that it was a “drama” and arguing that drug abuse threatens youth, women, families, and all communities across ethnic and religious lines. She called for a society-wide response involving not only police and the military but also religious leaders, women, principals, teachers, and families, warning that drugs may affect households without their knowledge. Referring to Deepavali as a symbol of dispelling darkness, she urged unity beyond ethnic divisions to eradicate the drug menace and protect future generations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri accused the Government of using anti-drug and anti-underworld campaigns to deflect from its failure to act on promised anti-corruption measures and alleged that drug seizures and container releases may involve ministerial influence and backdoor dealings. He questioned the release of certain containers, the removal of a ministry from Minister Bimal Rathnayake, and the sources of wealth of security-related ministers. He also criticized the Minister of Public Security for allegedly labelling a murdered person as underworld-connected before judicial proof and argued that allegations raised in the debate made the Minister unfit to continue in office. He called on government members, particularly those of the NPP, to demand the Minister’s resignation.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage supported the adjournment motion on eliminating dangerous drugs and organized crime, arguing that Parliament should strengthen the Public Security Minister and the Government’s anti-drug programme rather than call for resignations. He condemned the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and expressed confidence that police would bring the perpetrators before the law. He rejected Opposition allegations against the Government, accused Opposition parties of politicizing the issue, and urged all members to support the anti-drug initiative, including a public mobilization programme due to begin on the 30th.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized the Public Security Minister’s remarks following the shooting death of a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, arguing that the Minister should focus on apprehending the perpetrators rather than commenting on the victim’s history. He said the incident occurred amid earlier disputes and violence connected to the council’s formation, and cited over 100 shootings and about 50 murders this year as evidence of worsening public insecurity. He said the Opposition would support genuine efforts to eradicate narcotics, but questioned the release of hundreds of red-labelled containers without inspection and raised concerns that Sri Lanka may be used as a drug transshipment point despite the Government’s anti-drug claims.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticised the Government, stating that it had failed to deliver what the public expected and that poverty had increased, with more families falling back into hardship. He also condemned the Minister of Public Security’s remarks regarding the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, arguing that the Minister should have focused on ensuring the arrest of the gunmen rather than making unproven claims about the deceased.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi argued that Sri Lanka’s drug problem developed alongside the political and social changes of the 1980s and had been allowed to persist by successive governments that protected underworld networks. He said the current Government was acting transparently to eradicate drugs, the underworld, and associated political culture, and invited both Government and Opposition members to a public mobilization at Sugathadasa Stadium on 30 October led by the Minister of Public Security. He emphasized that many affected persons, including prisoners, were victims of the drug culture and cited personal examples of families and youth destroyed by addiction.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi JJB
AI summary Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi urged that the proposed changes be considered as a broader reform effort rather than through isolated criticisms. He called for society to unite in supporting the proposal.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. Elayathamby Srinath expressed support for the Government’s national programme against drug trafficking and organized crime, while stressing that enforcement against traffickers must be accompanied by mental health support, rehabilitation and reintegration for drug users. He said post-2009 conditions in the North and East contributed to youth vulnerability and wider social harm, and urged a non-partisan, countrywide response. He raised concern over recent shootings, insisting that suspects must be dealt with through due process rather than violence, and requested the Ministry of Public Security to make special arrangements to protect citizens and public representatives facing threats.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Government’s Adjournment debate on eradicating drugs and crime, arguing that drug use has spread among youth, students and women and has harmed the economy, culture and public wellbeing. He alleged political links to drug importation and distribution, urged cross-party support for the President’s national anti-drug programme, and rejected what he described as attempts to politicize or undermine it. He called for identifying and punishing traffickers, including underworld and international networks, while providing rehabilitation, counselling and employment opportunities for affected youth.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe supported the proposal on organized crime and drugs, but argued that the Government was using the issue to distract from failures in governance, the economy, and delivery on promises. He said drug policy must focus on reducing demand and rehabilitating users, citing international experience, and criticized public displays that he said risk glorifying traffickers. He also criticized recent ministerial remarks following a killing, stressing that even alleged criminals must be dealt with through police investigation, courts, and due process rather than extrajudicial justification or political labelling.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa framed the debate within the Government’s broader effort to address what he described as a national calamity, identifying the drug menace as a serious threat requiring unified action. He indicated that he would present arrest and case statistics from 1 January to 21 October 2025 compiled by the Police and security forces to demonstrate the scale of the issue.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa presented recent drug seizure and case-filing figures, arguing that they show the extent of drug trafficking in Sri Lanka and its links to the underworld, “black politics” and illicit money. He said the Government is working with foreign law enforcement agencies to pursue senior underworld figures and called for all 225 Members of Parliament to support efforts to suppress drugs and organized crime. He urged the Samagi Jana Balawegaya to set aside political criticism on this issue and publicly unite behind the campaign.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB
AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa argued that officials leading the Government’s campaign against drugs and the underworld are being targeted in Parliament and online to weaken that effort. He urged the Opposition, particularly the SJB, to support a bipartisan national campaign against organised crime and drug trafficking, especially after one of its own local government members was reportedly victimized in an underworld clash. He called on all parties not to undermine police and anti-corruption officials working on the issue and to unite during what he described as a critical opportunity.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. Chanaka Madugoda vacated the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the Adjournment Motion on a national work plan to eradicate drug trafficking and organized crime, arguing that drugs and the underworld undermine democracy, the rule of law and justice. He cited the killing of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya after threats linked to a drug case as evidence of the threat posed to the judiciary, and called for action against networks operating both domestically and from abroad, including those allegedly protected by political, police and financial interests. He also briefly raised pension anomalies affecting teachers and principals, referring to past recommendations and assurances, and requested implementation of anomaly-free pensions sought by pensioners’ associations.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gayan Janaka JJB
AI summary Hon. Gayan Janaka supported the proposal to eradicate drugs and organized crime through a national, collective effort, criticizing the Opposition for disrupting the debate. He cited recent seizure figures for narcotics, illicit pills, and illegal firearms to argue that the issue is a major national challenge with alleged historical political links. He said drug abuse is harming children, families, universities, professions, and religious institutions, and called for action to reduce supply and demand, rehabilitate affected youth, establish rehabilitation centres in every district, and mobilize religious leaders, civil society, and citizens under the President’s leadership.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB
AI summary Hon. Nishantha Perera supported the proposal by Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe to eradicate organized crime and drugs, arguing that drug addiction and underworld activity had become a national crisis linked to post-1977 political and economic changes. He cited 2024 arrest figures, including youth drug addiction data, and claimed that organized crime had been protected and enabled through political patronage across successive parties, particularly referencing criminal networks in the South. He called on all communities and citizens to unite behind the Government’s effort to end the drug trade and organized crime.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB
AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper condemned the murder of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Chikramasekara while on official duty and questioned the Government’s responsibility for the security of public representatives. He criticized the Minister of Public Security for making remarks in Parliament suggesting a motive before investigations were complete, arguing that such comments amounted to character assassination of the deceased. He said the Opposition wore black to mark sorrow over the killing and demanded an apology to the victim’s family and voters, as well as the expunging of the Minister’s remarks from Hansard.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika expressed condolences over the murder of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman while rejecting Opposition attempts to characterize it as a Government-linked political assassination before investigations were complete. He argued that the Adjournment Motion should focus on building a national programme to eliminate drugs and organized crime, which he said had spread for decades with political patronage and was now affecting youth across the country. He cited large drug seizures, prison overcrowding, and recent shootings as evidence of the scale of the problem, and urged all parties to support the Government’s efforts to sever links between politics, narcotics, and organized crime.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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