The Hon. Susantha Dodawatta, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to speak on the motion moved by Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe regarding the national “Ratama Ekata” programme the Government is bringing to curb organized crime and drug trafficking.

¶ 02 First, regarding the murder that occurred yesterday, Opposition Members are making accusations at the Government. We all know that the State bears responsibility to protect the life of every citizen, whether ordinary or even an offender. However, the Opposition always tries to pin every incident on the Government as a means of blame politics. They also have responsibility regarding who they nominate and bring into office. The current Government is conducting a fair and impartial investigation into the incident.

¶ 03 In the Midigama “Kajja” murder, we saw how public narratives tried to conceal who was involved. Similarly, in the Weligama Chairman’s case, some seek to hide who is connected. The Opposition Leader said all opposition parties came together to appoint him Chairman. If so, did that facilitation also make him an easy target? That too must be investigated.

¶ 04 Today’s debate is about organized crime and drug trafficking. At this crucial moment, instead of placing relevant facts, the Opposition is wasting the time of this august Assembly. Organized crime, drugs and politics have been interlinked for a long time; all sides agree. Through the new national programme, the Government is taking scientific steps to eradicate them. Countries that have controlled such situations have followed certain processes. There is a need to strengthen the legal system; the Government is bringing necessary new laws and an efficient judicial process, including discussions on specialized courts for organized crime and narcotics.

¶ 05 Recently, Parliament passed Act No. 5 of 2025 on Proceeds of Crime, strengthening confiscation of assets and proceeds generated through organized crime and drug networks, with the necessary legal instruments.

¶ 06 The Government is also focusing on international and regional cooperation, including information sharing and joint operations with regional countries such as India. Japan has provided maritime detection equipment; a new scanner has been installed at the airport. The Navy, STF and Police are conducting special operations.

¶ 07 Public participation in this national endeavour is commendable. Previously, the public hesitated to provide information due to lack of trust in investigative bodies and political authority. Today, that trust is being restored through credible investigations and significant arrests domestically and internationally involving drugs and weapons.

¶ 08 We have introduced hotlines including 1997 and WhatsApp contacts to provide information, ensuring anonymity. I appeal to the media: do not lionize criminals or drug actors as heroes. Finally, according to the UNODC’s June 2024 report, Sri Lanka is among the top ten countries most affected by organized crime and drugs, alongside Afghanistan, Myanmar, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Nigeria, Costa Rica and Malaysia. This menace recognizes no religion, party or colour. Let us all unite, Government and Opposition, to protect our country from becoming a future zombie state. Support the Government’s programme. Thank you.