The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Drug use is spreading widely, devastating the entire country. It disproportionately affects the younger generation. Trafficking activities are rampant in urban areas and in coastal villages, and consumption is high there. According to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board’s 2024 statistical report, 228,450 persons have been arrested in connection with narcotics; notably, around 68,000 arrests relate to “ice” (methamphetamine). The majority fall within the 20–29 age bracket. While such large numbers have been arrested, many more remain unapprehended and are addicted. This is a grave national crisis and a curse. Therefore, we welcome and support bringing this amendment Bill to bring the situation under control.

¶ 02 Alongside narcotics affecting urban youth, there is the widespread problem of illicit alcohol in rural areas. This leads to economic ruin and disease. Beyond drug eradication, we must also take robust action against illicit alcohol in villages. For example, many poor people become habituated to illicit liquor because they cannot afford other substances; illegal producers then siphon off their meagre earnings. Enforcement is inadequate: penalties are low, allowing repeat offenders to earn large sums. There are insufficient provisions to control and punish illegal producers and distributors.

¶ 03 Drugs are destroying our youth, shattering families, causing suicides, and leaving many silently suffering. Beyond wasted money, family structures are collapsing, and there are serious health impacts. Critically, youth get involved in such activities during their learning years, harming education and pushing families into poverty. We need a comprehensive legal framework that simultaneously tackles narcotics and illicit alcohol, coupled with awareness and counselling to rehabilitate and reintegrate victims. Such nationwide rehabilitation and reintegration mechanisms are largely absent.

¶ 04 In Batticaloa District in particular, there is a lack of treatment and protective care facilities. How do we rehabilitate affected individuals if they must be sent elsewhere? Every Divisional Secretariat division in our district should have facilities to recover drug users and reintegrate them into society. At the same time, we must take maximum legal action against illicit alcohol producers and drug traffickers.

¶ 05 Separately, I wish to raise the plight of Batticaloa’s farmers. Though some relief was given after the “Titli” cyclone, recent rains have destroyed large extents of paddy, causing severe losses. The Government must immediately compensate farmers. Compounding this, elephant incursions are destroying fields in the district, further devastating already disaster-affected farmers. I urge the Government to arrange compensation.

¶ 06 The Government’s efforts to eradicate poisons and drugs should succeed with everyone’s cooperation. Only by rescuing our youth can we build a prosperous future.