The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today we are debating an important topic: formulating a national programme to eradicate narcotics and organized crime and to strengthen the legal framework, as the Government side is proceeding to do. The Opposition slings mud and allegations at the Government, and today some have even come dressed to suit their narrative. History taught us how black‑hearted political characters wore white to deceive people, while society said their insides were black. Today, the Opposition has finally dressed to match their true colours, which helps the public to recognize them.

¶ 02 A Government’s duty is to control drugs, suppress crime and create an environment in which people may live freely. It has been just one year since we assumed office, and within this year we have implemented a structured plan and enforced the law. That was not the case before. Some past State leaders laid hands on the shoulders of criminals; some protected drug‑dealing politicians. They made the underworld their primary protector. Before levelling critiques at this 10‑month‑old Government, those who speak today should examine their own conscience about the crises the country faced under their control. I recall in 2018 during their Government, Provincial Minister M.K. Ranjith in Hambantota was murdered within a high‑security zone. They were in power then.

¶ 03 We do not condone the Weligama Chairman’s murder. There may be related factors; we will inquire through the Police. But the Opposition bears responsibility for bringing society to this state. If there was no “murder politics,” it is only after 21 September 2024 that murder politics ended. After winning local or provincial elections in the past, they practiced murder politics within districts.

¶ 04 They speak about solving issues in 24 hours; let me remind them that within 24 hours we cleansed society and eradicated murder politics from our soil. Today, no politician or organizer at village level can raise a hand over local youth; we have subdued and suppressed that entirely, democratically and by example, not through murder politics. Those who maintained murder politics now preach to us. Look in the mirror and you will see who maintained it.

¶ 05 Many issues were raised here. One Opposition MP’s uncle was murdered in Galle. This is not to sling mud, but police reports show connections to criminal and narcotics gangs. We urge the Opposition: if within your Pradeshiya Sabhas or party machinery there are those doing narcotics “business,” tell them to stop. Such persons still exist within your ranks and operate in an organized manner. We must also examine whether these “timed” shootings and daily headlines are linked to Opposition planning.

¶ 06 Many of those being arrested as offenders are from the Opposition. Not every Opposition MP is accused, but cleanse your parties of criminals. Good young representatives in your villages are denied chances by such elements. In Midigama, a group of criminals with drugs was arrested—party representatives of the Opposition. In Hambantota, two Opposition MPs here know these things well. Many involved are party organizers. Therefore, while you pledge support to suppress crime, also instruct your party henchmen to desist and face the law. Do not protect them and then criticize the Government. We are enforcing the law.

¶ 07 Arrests relating to drugs and “ice” have increased year on year. Past rulers aided these operations; typically, such crimes cannot thrive without help from those in power. Remember: we have formed a Government that does not aid these crimes. We are suppressing them, not assisting them. Children under 14 are falling into “ice”; this is tragic. Do not think it is only the poor—children across strata are being drawn in. This is a national problem for all citizens to unite and solve; it is not about one party.