The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, with the National People’s Power Government assuming office, we have, throughout this period, passed numerous orders and Acts with the aim of bringing discipline, culture, and improvement to all sectors—economic, political, and cultural. Today as well, we are taking up two important Bills for approval: the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill.

¶ 02 In the past, toxic narcotics like ice, cocaine, and heroin were prevalent mainly in urban areas. But with the blessing and protection of the then political authorities, they gradually spread to distant villages, and to everywhere including temples, mosques, and government institutions. It is no secret that there was an unbreakable bond between certain drug lords and political authorities. As a stark example, during raids conducted by relevant units, the then Head of State once went by chopper to the houses of those ministers to protect them. That shows the depth of the tie between narcotics and political authority.

¶ 03 A small sapling of trafficking has now become a huge, thick tree. If we are to cut it down and uproot it, we must amend existing laws and bring new orders. We have a responsibility and a promise to the people to protect their children and families from the drug menace. It is women in the home who suffer the most when their husbands or children fall prey to drugs. As a Government, we have taken on the responsibility to eradicate this menace. Accordingly, under the theme “Break Free,” we launched the national “Country Together” operation on 30 October, to create “A country free of intoxication—a joyful tomorrow.” That programme targets: suppressing or isolating traffickers; rehabilitation and social reintegration of users; strengthening mechanisms at national, district, and village levels; creating public awareness through a broad campaign; and strengthening the legal framework.

¶ 04 Under “Break Free,” we also introduced the 1818 24-hour hotline to enable the public islandwide to provide accurate data on drug trafficking, distribution, and related activities.

¶ 05 Within a short period—from 30.10.2025 to 22.01.2026—the tri-forces and Police, through raids, have seized 3,208.741 kg of heroin, 1,280.956 kg of ice, 68.816 kg of cocaine, 2,341.523 kg of cannabis, 5,568,583 cannabis plants, 155 kg of kush, and 44 kg of hashish. The Sri Lanka Police have conducted 77,824 raids and arrested 77,105 suspects.

¶ 06 Finally, I wish to raise an issue. Due to the “Divva” cyclone, in the Digamadulla District’s Dehiattakandiya area, five villages were affected; the Mahaweli River overflowed and submerged them. Government officials, political authorities, and the public worked together with great dedication, preventing loss of life. Within about two weeks after the cyclone, we provided Rs. 25,000 to 435 households and Rs. 15,000 to 351 schoolchildren. We also provided Rs. 50,000 to 382 households. We have identified 104 families eligible for the 500,000-rupee housing assistance; foundation stones have already been laid for houses for two of those families. For those who cannot rebuild on their previous land, we have identified alternate sites, conducted surveys, and commenced construction. I extend my thanks to the officials, political authorities, and residents who joined us.

¶ 07 Thank you.