The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today’s adjournment debate on the programme against drug trafficking and organized crime is timely.

¶ 02 At present in our country, drug trafficking and organized crime operate hand-in-glove. In truth, they are driving our country toward ruin and a dark era. Initially, our country only had drug use; later, Sri Lanka became a transit hub. From there, we took another step and have now become a producing country. It is painful that our country has descended to such a degraded state.

¶ 03 We have a grave responsibility to rescue the country swiftly from this. Without the support of politicians, this network could not have grown to this extent. Through their patronage and protection, these operations have been advanced. Today they have led the country onto a path of destruction.

¶ 04 For example, take the Northern Province. Before 2009, that region knew only war. But today the Northern and Eastern Provinces are in an even worse state.

¶ 05 Past governments advanced planned activities in our areas encouraging drug use and distribution. Not only that, they also undertook deliberate efforts to erode Tamil cultural and civilizational values. Our government will certainly respond to these. As examples, only two weeks ago, the police seized a fish transport vehicle with nearly 3,500 drug tablets. In the Pesalai area of Mannar, within the last 2-3 months, three young men died due to use of the drug “ICE.” We must pause to consider to what state this will push our youth and future generations. We must therefore unite and act against this.

¶ 06 There is a dark kingdom where groups involved in the drug trade join forces. We must completely eradicate that kingdom. Across the country, the spread of drug use was enabled by the assistance of politicians. Today, we see several members from the Opposition who spoke here engaging in activities that seek to sanctify those involved in grave crimes including murder—people who have been investigated and found to be criminals. To them, we say this: this situation, worse than a cancer spreading nationwide, can certainly be eliminated by our government. We are poised to take a coordinated, nationwide, structural response, for which full cooperation is needed from the public and the security forces.

¶ 07 Those most affected by drug use are our future generations—our youth, university students, and schoolchildren. Drugs are being distributed to them in subtle ways. Those who use “ICE” appear like ordinary people in society; it is difficult to identify them. This is a tragic situation, and when we ponder the future, it is terrifying. “ICE” use can even be transmitted to a child through breast milk—an extremely dangerous reality. We must urgently rescue the country from this.

¶ 08 Under the leadership of the Hon. President, we are committing to implement a comprehensive programme. Only by uniting the police, armed forces, health sector, government departments, and the public can we eradicate this. We will surely do so. Crucial support must come from women as well, because young men and women who use ICE are awake through the night; families may mistakenly think a child is staying up to study. Unlike other substances, users are not easily identifiable; there is little outward difference—this is deeply worrying.

¶ 09 Therefore, with keen attention, we must identify such persons, bring them into treatment, and rehabilitate them. We ask all to support this journey to eradicate this dire situation from our nation. There is no bias or distinction here. We ask the Opposition to free itself from the disgraceful actions of the past and join this journey. Let us eliminate drugs and organized crime from this country and make it a beautiful, happy nation. Let everyone join this effort.

¶ 10 As the country is gradually recovering from economic decline, drug use and organized crime pose a significant challenge. We must attend to both simultaneously. These two require focused attention. Drug use and organized crime can paralyze all sectors in the country; we must work together to rescue the nation from them.

¶ 11 The Opposition levels many accusations against the government. Let them think for a moment: only then will they understand how they themselves encouraged drug use. Let them examine their conscience and see how they were involved. At least now, let them free themselves from such activities and join us in building the nation.