The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak on the Bill to amend the Convention against Doping in Sport. The world is moving rapidly, and with that comes the need for many legal reforms. This amendment is important and timely. Previously, those who used a stimulant could be punished under criminal law. Now, such treatment is being removed in a phased manner, with actions taken through a dedicated mechanism. This aligns us with global practice. The Minister is also granted powers, including appointing a governing board and a Director-General—appointments that must be in the hands of those with domain expertise.

¶ 02 In the past, various persons were punished under criminal law for related matters. This amendment moves away from that. Since these regulations operate globally, if a Sri Lankan athlete encounters an issue abroad, this law enables us to take appropriate action domestically.

¶ 03 We also see that this amendment enables coordination with the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency and other institutions such as Sri Lanka Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority to make joint decisions and actions.

¶ 04 These days, many youths—especially those in sports—use a variety of supplements: milk powders, tablets, etc. There was inadequate regulation. With this amendment, we will be able to regulate such products. No youth enters sport to meet a bad fate; but if laws are not properly enforced, they can end up facing adverse outcomes. We now have a chance to assess products potentially harmful to the body—various tablets, milk powders, supplements—and act to prevent their misuse, or, if they enter the market, take appropriate decisions thereafter.

¶ 05 Regarding cannabis and cannabinoids, there is much social discussion, even efforts toward normalization. Earlier, toxic narcotics entered the country freely; recently, however, there have been significant seizures and legal actions, reducing their spread. Yet, unfortunately, under various guises, cannabis-related items are reaching schools. One such product is “Madana Modaka.” Under the Ayurveda Act certain medicines can be given to patients; however, we see misuse. In the Trincomalee District, from the Kantale area alone, 13,258 Madana Modaka pills were seized in recent months. Due to legal gaps, some items fall under different statutes, limiting police powers under the Ayurveda Act.

¶ 06 Previously, such products were used by those with actual medical needs; now, use among schoolchildren is rising rapidly, posing a grave risk. Though there are regulations under the Ayurveda Act, orders can be placed online and delivered by courier to homes. I experimented by browsing, and my phone’s algorithm started showing me attractive advertisements—clearly not targeting only patients. This gap must be addressed—either within this law or by amending the Ayurveda Act—so controls are effective.

¶ 07 Two notable international cases illustrate proportional justice in anti-doping. First, Maria Sharapova tested positive for Meldonium shortly after it was added to the banned list. CAS found her responsible but without intent to cheat and reduced her ban from 24 to 15 months, establishing proportional justice in doping cases. Second, Lance Armstrong received a lifetime ban and was stripped of seven Tour de France titles for leading a systemic doping program—showing that victories built on deception cannot endure. Cases differ based on facts and intent.

¶ 08 Banned categories include anabolic steroids, peptide hormones, stimulants, and cannabinoids—the latter relevant to pills like Madana Modaka. Long-term use, even at low levels, accumulates and can cause serious harm. Diuretics—such as furosemide used for rapid weight loss—are prohibited, as are beta blockers. Where medication is necessary (e.g., asthma inhalers), the permitted use framework is specified.

¶ 09 This is a significant, necessary amendment to align our sports sector with global standards. Speaking of Sri Lankan sport, we cannot avoid mentioning Wasim Thajudeen—an exceptionally talented athlete untainted by controversy—who tragically died. There is serious suspicion of homicide. Under this Government, investigations have swiftly advanced with many revelations, including potential organized involvement. CCTV footage places a person known as “Kajjā” at the scene on the day of Thajudeen’s death; weapons have been traced; there are questions about a Red Cross Defender vehicle purportedly given to the Siriliya Foundation being used to follow Thajudeen with its color changed. We believe these investigations will conclude swiftly, ensuring athlete safety and a conducive environment for sport. Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.