The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I welcome the Adjournment Motion on the national programme to curb organized crime and drug trafficking. Drug trafficking and organized crimes must be eradicated. These activities harm not only the present but also future generations. It is commendable that the Government is moving forward to eliminate drugs and prevent organized crime. Yet, multiple shootings and murders continue in this country, affecting the economy as well. As a nation, we must unite to properly punish those engaged in such crimes and drug trafficking. We must enact stringent laws and impose appropriate penalties, particularly on politicians linked to drugs. We will extend full cooperation.

¶ 02 Before 2009, under the LTTE administration in the North and East, there was virtually no drug use; they had a strict administrative framework and the people acted against drug abuse. The Government now has the duty to bring proper laws to eradicate drug use across the country.

¶ 03 Recently Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said that during the final phase of the war in 2009, civilians and LTTE members who surrendered carrying white flags were shot and killed with the approval of Shavendra Silva. Those politicians connected to this matter, particularly Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was Defence Secretary then, must be punished. Since 2009 there has been no justice for Tamil people. Even though a former Army Commander himself has said military officers including Shavendra Silva acted with politicians to kill surrendered Tamils, neither the previous Government nor this one has investigated. Tamil people have lost faith in domestic mechanisms; therefore we call for international investigations to punish those responsible.

¶ 04 On the Easter Sunday attacks, this Government promised before coming to power to arrest and jail those responsible. To date, justice has not been served for the victims’ families because military officers and politicians are involved, and the Government fears the consequences of punishing them. If the Government wishes to act properly, it must punish the culprits. Otherwise, we will view this Government as we did the previous ones. I urge the Government to mete out due punishment to the criminals.