The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, as our Minister said, some TV channels talk up queues, but yesterday I saw real queues in my Galle District. We did not politicize queues like others once did—when in their time gas cylinders exploded and they demanded the President go home; once he left, the explosions also mysteriously stopped.

¶ 02 We are debating two important Bills: the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. We strongly support them. However, regarding narcotics, a narrative took hold that politicians were behind it—built largely by the party currently in government. That narrative now boomerangs on them. Intelligence once reported even container-loads of cocaine entering the country; how those containers were released remains a mystery. Your government’s MPs, local councillors, candidates, and even principals have faced drug allegations. This is not a partisan issue. Drugs ensnare politicians, businesspeople, and society at large. We must unite to fight this common threat, not point fingers for political gain.

¶ 03 These Bills arise not only from local concerns but also global obligations, international commitments, and the need to protect public security and health. Changing laws alone will not solve the problem. Strict laws must be strictly enforced. Yet punishment alone will not end it; religious institutions of all faiths have meaningfully engaged in prevention. Unfortunately, this government has alienated religious bodies and weakened those bonds. Yesterday, I watched a ruling party MP address a TV program and disrespect our Most Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Nayaka Thero by addressing him as “Kassapa” without proper honorifics. At minimum, he should apologize. Such conduct insults not just that monk but the entire Buddhist community and our saffron robe. Day by day, this government undermines religious institutions.

¶ 04 I have long raised the 2026 dry ration tender for the Tri-Forces: the State lost Rs. 180 million because the tender was not awarded to the lowest bidder. No responsible Minister has explained why. I invite a reply now.

¶ 05 On Ceylon Mineral Sands: last year, the Minister assured that casual workers would be made permanent. Eighteen months later, they remain insecure, borrowing to make ends meet. This government, which claims to stand for workers, must grant them job security.

¶ 06 Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka recently made claims contradicting his earlier statements about “white flag” incidents. He once told the Sunday Leader’s Frederica Jansz that Gotabaya Rajapaksa ordered the killing of surrendering LTTE leaders; now he says Mahinda and Gotabaya protected and released them. Which is it? While we respect his military service, these contradictions raise questions.

¶ 07 Let us set aside partisan divides and pass these vital Bills for the country.