The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, having listened to the debate on the Government’s Adjournment Motion regarding the legal framework to eliminate drugs and organized crime, I note that, as with yesterday’s debate, the main focus has been the tragic murder of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman. It was said this is a black stain on history; indeed, there have been many. First, I express condolences to his family. Whatever his name or background, no young person or anyone in Sri Lanka should suffer such a fate. We are implementing this program precisely to end such outcomes.

¶ 02 Yesterday’s debate attempted to link the incident to the Government’s responsibility. This isn’t new. About ten months ago, when “Meegahathenna Kajja,” identified with organized crime, was killed, Opposition MPs tried to link that too to the Government. Yet after months, suspects were arrested—the person who supplied the weapon was also arrested—and there is now silence. Nevertheless, yesterday again the Opposition tried to pin this murder on the Government.

¶ 03 Consider the inconsistency. Before the Minister of Public Security made his statement yesterday, the SJB General Secretary had already spoken, directly linking the incident to the Government and calling it a political assassination—arriving at a premature conclusion before suspects were identified. In that context, the Minister responsibly cautioned against labeling it a political assassination and noted the background information about the deceased. He also extended condolences, expressed regret, and affirmed investigations and accountability. That is now being read selectively. If he had not said that, you would again be accusing the Government of committing the murder. Do not drag this debate there.

¶ 04 The purpose of this debate is to stop organized crime and the poisonous drug menace, to build a national program, and finally to take the first steps after decades of delay. This is not the Government’s job alone, nor the NPP’s, nor Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s—it is everyone’s responsibility. Drugs have spread across the country for decades, destroying our youth. Buses don’t go to some villages, but drugs reach them; electricity does not reach some places, but drugs do. Because of that network, many youth became victims. No one is born intending to use “ice” or to make their children addicts. This organized business network persisted with political patronage from your predecessors.

¶ 05 Now, drugs are being seized in tons; we must turn this tragedy back. We are fulfilling a national responsibility at a crossroads. In Colombo’s evenings, children aged 13–14 roam looking for drugs—that is how far we have fallen; even remote villages see ice. The Prisons Commissioner said there are around 35,000 inmates in prisons built for around 10,500. Our youth are being crowded into prisons on one side and drawn into organized crime on the other. This is organized and tied to politics. The NPP said from the outset we would sever that connection—we have begun that journey. No one can say the NPP Government is failing on drugs and organized crime. Regarding shootings, I checked the past two months: around ten incidents. This must be brought to zero—agreed—but we started from where you left the country. Therefore, this hope is not against you.

¶ 06 This is not against the Opposition or any party; it is a national task. Whether it is Sanjeewa of Ganemulla, Lasantha Wickramasekara, or anyone else, no one should suffer such a tragic fate. Not only were these groups used by politics in the past, even after murders you rush to point fingers at the Government instead of finding real culprits—revealing your true intent. Let us not allow this country again to be directed that way. Let us ensure our youth are not used, and help give them a clear future. Everyone should support this program without division. We expect all our people to support it and we aim to ensure its success.

¶ 07 Thank you.