The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, since our Government assumed office, we have intervened vigorously to address the pressing issue of narcotics. A recent Verité Research survey shows our Government’s popularity has risen mainly due to our stance on toxic drugs and the manner in which we executed the “Get Out” programme.

¶ 02 Compared to previous governments, we have taken active steps to halt narcotics operations. For example, under the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs led by Minister Ananda Wijepala, the Police have seized narcotics far more successfully than in previous years.

¶ 03 From 01 January 2025 to date, 2,020 kg of heroin, 4,013 kg of “ice”, 15,564 kg of cannabis and 43 g of cocaine have been seized, and about 540,000 illicit tablets and capsules have been taken into custody. This demonstrates how we acted through “Get Out” to stop supply. The total number of suspects arrested is 280,320. To assess enforcement success, compare 2024 and 2025: in 2024, 832 kg of heroin were seized; in 2025, 1,821 kg. For “ice”, 1,364 kg in 2024; 3,865 kg in 2025. For cannabis, 8,359 kg in 2024; 17,189 kg in 2025. Relatively, this shows how actively we intervened to suppress the narcotics trade.

¶ 04 We uphold the rule of law. We act under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Yet, a challenge remained: while courts can hear offences within the country or in our maritime zones, there was ambiguity regarding jurisdiction over offences on the high seas. Questions arose whether Sri Lankan courts could try narcotics seized on the high seas and foreign or local persons apprehended there.

¶ 05 As an island, if we are to act decisively against narcotics, we must both intercept and prosecute. Therefore, we bring these Amendments: to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, and simultaneously to the Judicature Act so that cases relating to drug offences committed on the high seas can be tried in Sri Lankan courts. Often, when our Navy or the Sri Lanka Coast Guard chases drug boats into international waters, we lacked jurisdiction to apprehend and prosecute. These Amendments cure that defect. We send a message to global drug traffickers: if you enter our seas, we will arrest you—whether in international waters or otherwise—and produce you before Sri Lankan courts.

¶ 06 We are acting because of the growth in maritime drug trafficking, with international networks moving large quantities along sea routes. Existing law lacked clear provisions on production and possession on the high seas. International obligations under UN drug conventions and UNCLOS require us to strengthen domestic legal frameworks to suppress illicit drug trade. Hence, we introduce a new Section 54A into the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to criminalize production, possession and trafficking of dangerous drugs on the high seas.

¶ 07 This will strengthen maritime drug enforcement, provide clear powers to the Navy and law enforcement, earn international recognition of our commitment and, in the long term, help safeguard public health and social security. These Amendments align with international principles under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

¶ 08 Our “Get Out” programme addresses supply. But we must also reduce demand. Demand reduction is difficult and not a task for Government alone. Addiction is a social and public health issue. No one freely gives a child “ice” or other drugs; people are driven by stressors, trauma and social factors. Many users are educated and employed. We must expand voluntary rehabilitation centres so people can enter treatment without court compulsion. A person using drugs is not necessarily a criminal; often, he is a patient. While we jail large-scale traffickers, the small user suffers from a disease and needs help. We are implementing humane rehabilitation to reintegrate users into society because supply reduction alone is insufficient; demand reduction requires a societal effort.

¶ 09 We will not collude with the underworld; we will confront it. We are arresting gang leaders and dismantling networks. Regarding mobile phones in prisons: this is not a new problem; it has existed for years. The difference now is that we are actively detecting and seizing them, and information is reaching the media. That indicates enforcement, not failure.

¶ 10 I have explained the rationale for these two Bills. Suppressing supply requires all citizens, politicians and social activists to take responsibility. Please work with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the Rehabilitation Authority; conduct awareness in your constituencies. This is about saving our country and our children. View users as patients and help them through religious institutions and volunteer organizations. Government will stop supply; society must help stop demand through compassion and collective action.

¶ 11 Thank you.

¶ 12 Question proposed.