The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, we fully support the Judicature (Amendment) Bill brought by the Hon. Minister of Justice Harsha Nanayakkara. Addiction destroys families. The aim of imposing higher penalties through this amendment is welcome.

¶ 02 Recently we witnessed a shooting inside a courthouse—linked to drug traffickers. Likewise, a lawyer and his wife were recently shot dead because he was leading a case against traffickers. Many such murders have occurred in this country, often tied to drugs. We must eradicate this, though it may be hard; at minimum, impose maximum punishment on the guilty and take robust control measures. Drug trade is a global scourge; it must be eradicated.

¶ 03 Law and order have not been properly maintained, which is why areas like the North and East—once free of such abuse—now suffer drug sales even in schools. The President’s actions to combat this are commendable, but since this Government took office, killings are frequently reported. We must end the culture of murder, now often linked not to land disputes as in the past but to conflicts in drug distribution.

¶ 04 Religion and moral discipline matter in prevention; we should strengthen religious and ethical guidance and parental care. No one should become a burden to family or nation; we must secure livelihoods, as economic hardship pushes some into distribution. While introducing new plans to curb use, public support is essential.

¶ 05 Some Muslim countries impose maximum penalties for drug use and trafficking; adopting strong deterrents here would help bring the situation under control. Otherwise, murders, robberies, abuse, and rape will continue, harming the economy. I appeal to all citizens to support the fight against drugs.