The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we debate two Bills aimed at eradicating the drug menace: the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. These are vital because the National People’s Power (NPP) government pledged to uproot the drug menace. Hence, last October we launched the nationwide operation “Rata Ma Ekata – Iwath Wenu” to eliminate narcotics, with objectives to: - Apprehend and isolate traffickers and distributors under the law - Direct users to treatment and rehabilitation - Establish operating mechanisms at national, district, divisional and village levels - Strengthen institutional mechanisms and public awareness through a broad campaign

¶ 02 While implementing this on the ground, the “Ditva” cyclone struck, causing some delays. We have re-focused and these amendments are part of that effort. Specifically, we aim to disrupt transfers of drugs from mother ships to smaller vessels on the high seas.

¶ 03 Our policy platform “A drug-free country – A healthier citizen life” proposed to: - Implement integrated operations against drugs and organized crime - Establish a separate Bureau for Narcotics Prevention - Enhance naval and air surveillance and equip and train officers to prevent entry of drugs - Regularize rehabilitation to free addicts from use - Strengthen penalties and expedite cases - Conduct continuous education programs for school children - Expand the Dangerous Drugs Control Board and establish community monitoring committees - Educate the community on adverse effects of drug use

¶ 04 These were proposed because drug abuse is a grave national tragedy. Through these amendments, we especially target high seas transfers from mother ships to small craft and bring offenders swiftly under law. Cabinet approved this policy on 23 June 2025; time has been needed to draft.

¶ 05 The amendments criminalize manufacture, possession and trafficking of dangerous drugs on the high seas and vest jurisdiction in the High Court of the Republic for offences committed on the high seas. Along our northern and western coasts—from Mannar, Kankesanthurai, Jaffna and Mullaitivu to Kalpitiya and Negombo—Kerala ganja, ice, heroin and pills are frequently landed; we must suppress such crimes.

¶ 06 Internationally, about 316 million people used drugs in 2025—a 28% increase over the previous decade. Combating such a vast enterprise demands robust laws. In Sri Lanka, use spans ages 14 and over, with over-30 groups now facing severe consequences.

¶ 07 The Indian Ocean drug flows threaten not only national but international security. The Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) heroin and Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos) synthetic drugs move across the Indian Ocean toward Europe, Africa, South Asia and Australia. Weak surveillance over vast seas necessitates these legal tools.

¶ 08 Sri Lanka and Maldives have been used as transit/storage/redistribution hubs. Our Navy and Coast Guard numbers are limited; traffickers sometimes use our fishing boats. They are tied to organized crime and launder proceeds. To counter this and protect our international image, we act with national, regional and international cooperation—INTERPOL, the UN, and neighbouring countries—controlling precursor chemicals and financial flows, seizing assets, and prioritizing rehabilitation, prevention, and community programs.

¶ 09 These amendments strengthen the legal arm of a whole-of-nation operation that reduces supply, demand and harm.