The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, in speaking on the adjournment motion brought by the government side seeking everyone’s support for the “Ratama Ekata” national programme to uproot dangerous drugs, I wished to use this chance to inform the public about this programme. We saw since morning that some seemed “allergic” even to discussing certain topics. Rather than be distracted, we should educate the public about this national programme. The Opposition’s role is to shout at places, stage shows, and gather around mics—fine, let them do that. Meanwhile, we will gather the nation and get on with real work.

¶ 02 We know our main challenge was first to stabilize the economy—we believe we have done so successfully. The second challenge is to rescue the country from the social crisis created by dangerous drugs and organized crime and to rebuild society. Due to this menace, values, systems, bonds, and compassion have been eroded. No matter how much we grow economically, if we are broken socially, that growth is pointless.

¶ 03 Since coming to power, due to firm measures, the largest quantities of dangerous drugs in history have been seized. As a result of these seizures and prosecutions, there are currently 187,872 pending cases. To uproot drugs and trafficking, beyond political leadership and state machinery, we need broad public participation. Therefore, through a rapid national programme—“Ratama Ekata”—we will unite everyone and make this a historic government that uproots toxic drugs.

¶ 04 With political leadership, state support, and public participation, we must address both supply and demand. On supply reduction, as I previously stated, we are conducting massive raids. On demand reduction, we must reduce the desire to obtain these substances. As a woman, I must say: protecting our children has a psychological aspect. This is not merely political; it concerns our children. If we think we can protect them by confining them within four walls, we are wrong.

¶ 05 I represent Galle District. This morning we discussed this menace, and there is a report from the Galle District Children’s Committee and the Anti-Drug Subcommittee on drug use among students in all Southern Province schools. According to it, children aged 14-16 are identified as a risk group. The hormonal changes at that age naturally cause curiosity, and some may fall victim due to this curiosity. Therefore, I invite the public—regardless of your personal political stance—to intervene in “Ratama Ekata” for your child’s future, because if your child becomes a victim, party or colour does not matter.

¶ 06 At our public days, mothers come saying their children have fallen victim. Elders tell us youths are digging near lamp posts and drains looking for drugs. Mothers hear trishaws stopping at night, a child slips out—even if she senses something, she cannot be sure. You do not need to become stigmatized or impoverished seeking help; but our children are at risk. Hence I invite all people and all political authorities to join to curb this menace.

¶ 07 We also invite religious leaders: while the authorities enforce the law, please preach to keep people away from this. We invite principals and teachers, and especially the youth: when a friend tries to step out, help build his spine to say “no.”

¶ 08 Alongside the national programme, many other initiatives are underway: reorganizing rehabilitation camps and establishing one in every district; enacting necessary laws, including confiscation of proceeds of crime—we recently confiscated over Rs. 500 million in illicit assets of “Kehelbaddara Padme.” Over 17,000 children are identified in the risk category; we have prepared a programme through Divisional Secretariats to guide them. Through the Clean Sri Lanka 2025 Fund, Rs. 100 million now and a further Rs. 1,000 million in the next budget are being allocated to take this nationwide.

¶ 09 People now believe that under the National People’s Power government there is no political protection for those spreading these evils. We have a mandate. Safeguarding that mandate, providing political leadership, uniting everyone, and affirming public trust, we take responsibility to eliminate toxic drugs from this country. Thank you for the time.