The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, thank you for the time to speak on this important, timely Bill to curb banned substances in competitive sports, as per WADA directives.

¶ 02 First, my congratulations to the newly elected councillors of the Colombo Municipal Council—the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and all members. As a citizen of Colombo, I wish them well.

¶ 03 Doping is not merely individual misconduct; it strikes at fairness, integrity, and the spirit of human excellence. Responsibility also lies with coaches, trainers, sponsors, and institutions that fail to educate. Our framework must be punitive, preventive, proactive, and rehabilitative.

¶ 04 Equally alarming is the unregulated gym culture among youth. Gyms have mushroomed without oversight, licensing, or qualified instructors. Youth are consuming so-called supplements and even anabolic steroids without medical guidance. Many products are imported, unregulated, bought online, and marketed deceptively. Misuse leads to hormonal imbalance, liver/renal damage, infertility, early diabetes, psychological disorders, and even death. It can stunt adolescent growth and development. Some inexperienced instructors even sell these for commissions. That is exploitation.

¶ 05 Therefore: - Mandatory registration and licensing of all gyms under a national authority. - Mandatory certification and registration of trainers/instructors with basic health knowledge. - Ban and strict regulation of harmful supplements. - Awareness campaigns for schoolchildren, university students, and parents.

¶ 06 If we fail, we risk a national health crisis. Moreover, some gyms are becoming venues for narcotic exchanges under the guise of fitness. Regulation and supervision are essential.

¶ 07 Let us build youth strong in body, mind, discipline, and moral values.

¶ 08 On moral responsibility: as we protect our youth, we must also speak for innocents in Gaza, where the right to life is being denied. Food and water are used as weapons of war; aid is blocked. True sportsmanship demands we stand for justice and protection of innocents everywhere. We call for an end to violence and adherence to the UN-endorsed two-State solution based on 1967 borders.

¶ 09 Let us legislate to protect, not only to punish.

¶ 10 Thank you, Sir.