The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the Adjournment Motion on the national work plan to eradicate drug trafficking and organized crime, and to strengthen the legal framework.

¶ 02 No right-thinking person in this country would reject or oppose a national work plan and legal strengthening to eliminate drugs and organized crime. Drugs and the underworld have weakened and dragged this country down. They undermine democracy, the rule of law and justice. Eliminating them is essential to make this a beautiful country, and both Government and Opposition should support unanimously.

¶ 03 Recall “Kudu Theresa,” against whom the High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya was about to deliver judgment. The then underworld don “Potta Naufer” threatened the judge that if he delivered such a verdict they would give him a death sentence on the street. The judge did not fear, imposed the appropriate punishment, and was gunned down on the street. Thus, even judges could not deliver judgments freely due to death threats.

¶ 04 Drug trafficking and the underworld have ravaged all sectors. Therefore, swift action is needed, including to control those operating from abroad—in Indonesia, Kathmandu, Dubai—and domestically. These steps are good. There are some who support the black realm: black law, black business and black money—within politics and the police. That is why eradication is difficult. If we want discipline, culture and national interest strengthened, we must completely eliminate the underworld and drugs. We wholeheartedly support that effort.

¶ 05 Please allow me one minute, Sir. Outside today’s topic, I wish to raise an important matter on behalf of pensioners. Representing pensioners’ associations, Mr. Jin Bandara and members in Batticaloa highlight anomalies in pensions. In 1997, when creating teacher and principal services per the P.C. Perera recommendations, an issue that could create anomalies was introduced; the Subodini Commission later proposed a remedy, yet anomalies persist. Hon. Pradeepan and Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe then promised to remove them and grant anomaly-free pensions. Therefore, I request that this be implemented as sought by the pensioners and associations. I conclude. Thank you.