The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, with a brief clarification, I will pose my question.

¶ 02 On organized crime and drug rackets, certain channels conduct direct and extensive discussions. We know that the Government, the relevant Ministry, and the Police are heavily intervening regarding these crimes. Yet, some media and certain groups keep repeating, like a cricket scorer calling half-centuries and centuries, creating sensational “breaking news” daily, and discussing them. In these, the current Government—our Government—is blamed as if these are new incidents. However, this is a process that has been normalized over time. Under this Government, these are being exposed through a very orderly process. The Government has pledged to eradicate the underworld completely, and to eliminate drugs from Sri Lanka entirely. There is a work plan for that, and these discussions are emerging within that context.

¶ 03 Hon. Presiding Member, when we say “Gonnewala Sunil,” we recall the state leader J. R. Jayewardene. When we say “Soththi Upali,” we recall R. Premadasa as a pair. When we say “Baddagane Sanjeewa,” we recall Chandrika Kumaratunga. When we say “Julampitiye Amare,” “Chambottah,” and “Beliyanthe Chandi Malli,” we recall Mahinda Rajapaksa—these came as pairs. That is the true story. Now, propaganda circulates and revelations are made, showing images like those of “Kehelbaddara Padme” placed alongside Mahinda Rajapaksa. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the true story and the true facts to this august House and to the people of the country. Accordingly, I wish to ask a few questions from Hon. Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. The truth must be made clear to the public. Since it is necessary to clarify the actions taken by the Government regarding organized crime at this moment, I pose these questions to the Hon. Minister.

¶ 04 - The activities of organized criminal gangs have, for some time, adversely affected ordinary public life. Media reports indicate that some of these operations persisted with political patronage, and the public is deeply curious about this.

¶ 05 01. What measures has the Government taken thus far to bring leaders and members of organized criminal gangs operating in this country before the law? What progress has been made?

¶ 06 02. There is information that members of organized criminal gangs go abroad to evade the law. Have the locations where they are residing been identified? Which are the principal countries? What actions have the authorities taken in such circumstances?

¶ 07 03. There must be special reasons for these gangs to operate as powerful networks. Are there reports that some political patronage has been involved? If so, what actions are expected to be taken in this regard?

¶ 08 We know these matters are highly sensitive and extensive investigations are ongoing. However, within what can be stated, I request the Hon. Minister, on behalf of this august House and the people of the country, to clarify these matters.