The Hon. Presiding Member

¶ 01 At times, the Opposition asks for divisions in this House. Hon. Presiding Member, when a division is called, how much time of Parliament is consumed? Yet, the very Member who calls for a division is not even seated in the Chamber. It is truly shameful. At this time, not a single Member of the Opposition is present in the House. At the conclusion of a debate, not a single Opposition Member is here. But they make a grand show in the first hour, put on a tough face for Facebook, and then leave with their entourage. As our Hon. Member said, they have violated Standing Order 27(2). They are trying to turn this House into a mere stage for political theatrics. We cannot allow that, Hon. Presiding Member. This must be a dignified Parliament. We discussed the alleged unparliamentary expressions at the Parliamentary Business Committee and informed the Party Leaders accordingly. The Parliament must take action against those who use such language. We cannot permit such things to be said—look at the abusive language directed even at women Members. When they have nothing substantive to say and no battle plan, they resort to crude insults in this House, even when schoolchildren are in the gallery. Perhaps such things happened in previous Parliaments, but in this Parliament we will not allow it. The Parliamentary Business Committee has taken decisions on these matters.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, let me conclude with a brief point. There is a very unfortunate situation within this narcotics network. It is a “black government” operating beneath the official government—an illicit business nurtured for decades by political authority. Behind this black business are politicians; it flourished in Diyawannawa. However, when the National People’s Power came into government, that political patronage was set aside.

¶ 03 Now officials bear a responsibility. We are entering this narcotics network with a journey that involves the citizens of this country. An unfortunate situation has arisen. We tell everyone in this narcotics network: let us protect our country. Our slogan “Quit” was introduced for that purpose. In Colombia, Pablo Escobar was called the “Cocaine King.” What happened to that king? In the end, after destroying the entire country and selling drugs to children, when his own son fell ill and needed warmth, the “Cocaine King” had to burn the money he had amassed to keep him warm. That money was of no use. Therefore, to everyone in the narcotics network and everyone in the supply chain, we say: you are destroying our country and our children. It is not right to amass abnormal wealth through illegal activities that drag the children of a nation and the world towards ruin, and then provide comfort only to one’s own children. All children in the world must be able to live—not only those in this country but everywhere.

¶ 04 It is for the sake of tomorrow’s children that we bring such legislation. Hon. Presiding Member, it is such a Bill that we have brought to this august House today to be approved. We will not only pass these laws, but we must also ensure their implementation. With that reminder, I conclude.

¶ 05 Thank you very much.

¶ 06 Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time.

¶ 07 Resolved: “That the Bill be referred to a Committee of the whole Parliament.” - [The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara.]

¶ 08 Considered in Committee. [THE HON. PRESIDING MEMBER in the Chair.]

¶ 09 Clauses 1 to 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

¶ 10 Enacting Clause and Title ordered to stand part of the Bill.

¶ 11 Bill reported without Amendment.