The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana

¶ 01 [11.25 a.m.]

¶ 02 Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I support the motion moved by Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe seeking the support of Parliament and the people for implementing the “Nation Together” programme as a national plan against drugs.

¶ 03 Drugs do not destroy only the user; they devastate generations, diminish the nation’s productive capacity, and paralyze minds that could generate ideas and innovation, turning loving hearts towards hatred. Therefore, combating drugs and associated crimes is not only about law and order; it is a test of our political capacity to protect the ethical and intellectual foundations of society. Today, ice, heroin, cocaine, and kush have become consumer commodities within society, creating a sizable market with its own demand-supply dynamics and an associated shadow economy.

¶ 04 Historically, successive governments showcased seizures and arrests—supply-side crackdowns—for short-term political optics. But international experience shows that supply-side action alone cannot end the drug problem while demand rises.

¶ 05 Hence, alongside suppressing supply through the rule of law, we must also address rising demand and why people—especially youth—seek drugs despite knowing the harm. Humans have material and spiritual needs; when social institutions that give meaning—family, love, friendship, social bonds, culture—are weakened, youth seek quick relief through artificial chemical means. The fault is not youth seeking joy; our response must not be to suppress youth but to provide meaningful paths to purpose—through sports, arts, literature, culture, and strong social institutions—so demand declines.

¶ 06 From the 1980s onward, economic and social policy overemphasized material consumption at the expense of sports, arts, and cultural development, leaving youth disoriented and distrustful of the future. A sincere plan to eradicate drugs must therefore: - Strengthen rule of law and enforcement institutions, free from political bias, to curb supply networks; - Build social programmes—sports, literature, community organizations—that empower youth and create confidence and meaning, reducing demand; - Mobilize religious organizations, schools, and all societal actors in a unified programme.

¶ 07 However, there is a concern: will the Opposition cooperate? Recent revelations and investigations raise public suspicions about links between some politicians and underworld elements. Even local bodies face infiltration. Therefore, the Opposition too must act with responsibility and accountability.

¶ 08 We invite the youth who led the recent aragalaya to join this national effort. A new struggle lies ahead: to dismantle the drug networks and create a new direction for our youth. Join the programme we will commence on the 30th under the President and the Ministry of Public Security.

¶ 09 Thank you.