The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to express views as we debate the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill of the National People’s Power Government concerning the expenditure heads of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. Before that, let me respond: an Opposition MP said they raise both hands to support the narcotics eradication drive. But when a former President was kissing drug barons, those who now support did not oppose then. Had they acted then, we would not be facing this scale of ice factories and traffickers today.

¶ 02 On the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs: by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/08 of 2024.11.25, this portfolio was created from a restructured Defence subject to build a peaceful, secure country. Under “Departments, Statutory Institutions and State Corporations” fall: Sri Lanka Police Department, National Police Academy, Department of Immigration and Emigration, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, and National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations.

¶ 03 This ministry addresses organized crime, narcotics eradication, elimination of women and child abuse, and recovery of proceeds of crime. The Sri Lanka Police, established under the Police Ordinance No. 16 of 1865 during British rule, has for 158 years fulfilled duties of law and order and public safety. With over 608 police stations operating 24/7 across supervision, investigation and junior ranks, more than 85,000 officers handle crime control and prevention, narcotics suppression, anti-corruption, traffic, environment protection, disaster relief, and VIP protection.

¶ 04 For five years, officers received no promotions. In our first year in office (2025), we granted 4,447 promotions—from Police Constable up to Assistant Superintendent of Police—including 4 Woman Inspectors confirmed, 1 Woman Superintendent, 58 Woman Sub-Inspectors, 23 Senior Superintendents, and 140 Chief Inspectors. Recruitment: for 2025, constables and drivers have been recruited (number recorded as 0610), interviews are ongoing to recruit 100 Sub-Inspectors; approvals received to recruit 5,092 in 2025 and 5,000 in 2026 from the Prime Minister’s Office.

¶ 05 On logistics: officers lack vehicles to reach duty points; under Indian assistance we are procuring 200 single cabs, 100 motorbikes, and 50 three-wheelers. On welfare: substandard barracks impede rest after 12 or 24-hour shifts. Construction of 189 new official quarters has commenced. Uniform allowance increased from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 9,000, allocating Rs. 1,200 million; Rs. 7,000 per officer for footwear. Training opportunities have been expanded and will continue.

¶ 06 We launched the “Rata Ma Ekaṭa” national operation against narcotics on the 30th. The Opposition appears most agitated; when tons of drugs are seized, Opposition politicians run a “voice cut mafia.” Regardless of criticism, we will relentlessly free the nation from the narcotics scourge. Thank you.