The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am glad to speak after the Member who ended by disparaging the Opposition. Today, all are speaking about the national programme to eliminate drugs and organized crime.

¶ 02 I saw this morning several Opposition members in black. If wrongdoing occurs, it is fine for the Opposition to stand against it. Our motherland is a beautiful country. At a time when it is blackened and oppressed by drugs, when we as a government rise against it, the Opposition shows protest in black. As the previous Member said when ending, this will be their end—perhaps the most accurate prophecy. He also said this work is a drama. The fight against drugs is not a drama. Drugs destroy our future generations. We are not speaking for applause. The Opposition said drugs have ruined education and the lives of youth in the North and East. Indeed, we are speaking about the future of our young generation. If you call this a drama, we may doubt whether you are abetting its spread.

¶ 03 Let me turn to my remarks. Drug use that targets and drags our young society into the underworld threatens individuals, families, and society. A nation’s progress lies in its people’s health and mental peace. The surge in drug use in Sri Lanka threatens everyone, with women and youth becoming the most affected. Although drugs may seem to give temporary energy, over time they severely damage the nervous system, causing insomnia, heart disease, loss of appetite, brain damage, and, with prolonged use, weight loss, skin disease, suicidal ideation, and even death.

¶ 04 This problem does not affect only one community; it affects all communities—across ethnicity, religion, language, age, and gender—youth, elders, women, men, and even clergy. Therefore, we must all unite against it.

¶ 05 As a woman, I tell the women and mothers of my community: drugs may enter our homes without our knowledge. Our children, husbands, brothers, or sisters may be affected without us realizing it. Today not only young men but also young women are affected. We all have a responsibility to rescue them. Previously, eliminating this was seen as the responsibility only of police or the military. Today, religious leaders, women, principals, and teachers—all must be involved.

¶ 06 Recently, we celebrated Deepavali, whose essence is dispelling darkness and bringing light. Just as the demon Narakasura was destroyed, we must eliminate the drugs that have occupied our country and bring light to our lives and future.

¶ 07 Before I conclude, I tell our people: none of us can wash our hands saying this does not concern us. This menace is at our doorstep without our knowledge. To save our motherland from this darkness, we must unite beyond any ethnic divisions and act together. If we do so, sooner than we imagine, we can eradicate this menace and give a beautiful life to our future children. Otherwise, our country may be destroyed. Let us all rise to meet this challenge. Thank you.