The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today’s debate concerns the Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. Before addressing the subject, since Hon. Kabir Hashim is present, I wish to recall what our Hon. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said about granting bail to someone in hospital. Lest the Opposition forgets, Ranil Wickremesinghe too received bail while in hospital under the Public Property Act. That was the court’s prerogative. I only reminded you—these are court matters.

¶ 02 On the Israel‑Palestine issue, as our Leader of the Opposition also focused on it, let me state: as a country and as a political movement, we have a clear and consistent position supporting Palestinian self‑determination and opposing Israel’s war crimes. As a Government and as a State, we have clearly articulated our stance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

¶ 03 Turning to the Agreement: the Cabinet approved this on 09 February 2025. Since 1981, Sri Lanka has entered similar agreements with many countries—28 such agreements. After signature, they must be presented to Parliament and approved by a two‑thirds majority under Article 157 of the Constitution. This Agreement sets out mutual commitments with the UAE, facilitates investment opportunities, provides protections, and ensures compensation where due. I see no reason for the Opposition to oppose it.

¶ 04 There were allegations about a “list of journalists” sent to Israel with government backing. Many countries host media delegations; Israel, the US, China, India, etc. The cited list includes analysts from the SLRC, LankaDeepa, two from Ada Derana’s media team, one from Hiru TV, one from Aruna, Sunday Divaina, Supreme TV, WestVU, the editor of Jaffna Monitor, two YouTube channels, a KDU academic, and another YouTube channel. None were sent by the Government. Media houses act on their own invitations. The Government did not dispatch them.

¶ 05 The Opposition now thrives on social media rumors. One post claimed 323 containers vanished, two found in a certain MP’s land. As a movement we opposed drug traffickers and criminals even before forming government. President Anura Dissanayake said we would press forward—and we are doing so to dismantle this network. Now that containers are being uncovered, some call it an “ice week” or “drug week” to mock our efforts.

¶ 06 Let us remember past impunity: who parachuted in to “settle” a drug brawl in Negombo? The then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Now the same groups lecture us. They were silent when public assets were looted and when elderly women were arrested over trinkets while mansions were bought with stolen money. They try to belittle current law enforcement.

¶ 07 What is the Opposition attempting today? To ridicule the Government, Police and law‑enforcement actions that are curbing crime. For example, on 2020‑06‑29, 94 kilos of drugs were seized; the suspect Farhad Zakeer—now even linked in international discourse to other matters—was arrested. Where is that case today? Under our Government, the law will be enforced against criminals, traffickers and the underworld—no protection will be given.

¶ 08 To colleagues from coastal districts, you know how drugs are smuggled along the southern littoral in bags and bottles. Even recently Kerala cannabis, ice, and other narcotics were seized. A relative of a Government‑side MP was shot dead in Galle—was it over land? What is the truth? Investigations must proceed.

¶ 09 To conclude, those with histories tied to the underworld and trafficking now attack the Government through social‑media snippets. We call on the Opposition to face facts: your falsehoods have short lives; we have no appetite for drama. The people empowered us to act. The CID will expose politicians tied to drugs, the underworld and smuggling, and the Government will extend full support as we move the country forward. Thank you.