The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. We are debating the “Ratama Ekata” national programme intended to strengthen the legal framework to eradicate drugs and organized crime.

¶ 02 Organized crime has severely harmed our country. Drug trafficking does not occur in isolation; it is tied to organized criminal networks, with political protection seen in past periods. Previous governments took no meaningful action, and as a result the drug menace spread across society, even into schools.

¶ 03 When we assumed office, massive organized financial crimes had been ongoing, interlinked not only with drugs but also human trafficking, grand corruption at multiple levels, and weapon smuggling—threatening national, public, social and economic security. The most dangerous element was political involvement, coupled with a toxic political culture. The rule of law had collapsed; the Executive previously challenged the Judiciary; mistrust grew among communities—fueled by drugs, guns and organized crime to generate black money. We aim to restore normalcy and ensure prosperity for future generations.

¶ 04 These organized crimes involve not only politicians but also corrupted clusters: segments of the public service, companies and business entities, accountants, audit firms, lawyers, banks and real estate agencies. That is why we term it “organized crime.” It includes illicit weapons use and illegal procurement of licences. Anyone who opposes them gets neutralized through political pressure. This network is a malignant cancer.

¶ 05 A large proportion of youth between 21 and 26 are affected by drugs. Regrettably, about 70 per cent of inmates are drug-related offenders. Some 15–20 per cent of police officers, according to reports, have been involved in usage; 68 officers are currently interdicted for involvement, assistance or information‑leaks. These groups conduct illegal transactions internationally and link with global criminal networks. Therefore, we must take this as a national mission with all parties’ involvement. Under “Ratama Ekata,” we will engage all stakeholders and enforce the law.

¶ 06 Multiple enforcement bodies are at work: Police including STF, the Tri-Forces, Immigration, Prisons, and Customs. Intelligence services have done vital work and will be further tasked within this national effort. We must involve the public service, the school system, teachers, alumni, religious leaders and institutions. International counter‑crime networks are active; our intelligence and enforcement must share information and build cooperation regionally and globally. Public cooperation is essential; over the past ten months, the public have engaged closely with the Police, and results are visible.

¶ 07 We fought a 30‑year war successfully because people stood together. Likewise, all must support drug eradication. We are cutting supply chains—Navy operations in deep seas continue day and night. Recently near Tangalle, roughly 850 kg of dangerous drugs were seized; if those reached society, the damage would be immense. We also work to reduce demand, and when addicts are rehabilitated and reintegrated, we must protect them. Hence, alongside this national effort we have established Community Policing Committees, People’s Empowerment Councils, and the National “Praja Shakthi” Programme to alleviate poverty, protect vulnerable children, empower families, and connect them to national development—thereby reducing susceptibility to drugs.

¶ 08 We are bound by policy to eliminate this menace and we will deliver. Our strategies operate at ground, middle and national levels with international linkage. Plans are implemented with the public embedded through representative committees. We have a mandate from across the country. People’s greatest expectation is to eradicate the drug menace and crime wave. We will act even at the cost of our lives. This is a noble political mission. We invite the Opposition and all forces and the people to join this national endeavour to lift the country.

¶ 09 We came to rebuild the nation. Had the former governments developed and executed three consecutive five‑year plans after the war ended 15 years ago, we would not be here today. Instead, we inherited collapse. We changed the corrupt political culture and will continue our work. Thank you for the opportunity.