The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to join the Second Reading debate on the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill. As Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya said on 22 April, modern sport has become a major livelihood, creating intense competition and global demand. In sports like cricket, opportunities and expectations have grown; some athletes seek performance enhancement through wrong methods, leading to prohibited stimulant use. Also, due to medical conditions, some athletes unknowingly take medicines that fall within banned categories. Across any field—education or politics—what we need is a level playing field. Ensuring fairness so the deserving win is a core aim of anti-doping.

¶ 02 The Opposition raised many matters today. While we debate doping in sport, Sri Lankans abroad praise the current government, especially our anti-narcotics program. Some spoke of the sanctity of life in sport, recalling incidents in rugby and, notably, Wasim Thajudeen—a talented player brutally murdered. Those who talk of uplifting sport and providing facilities, especially in villages, must remember this too.

¶ 03 During the last election some leaders went North “searching” for non-existent international stadia. Even south of Dambulla there is no international stadium; yet they claimed to find one in Jaffna. Under our President, steps are being taken to build an international stadium in Jaffna; the Sports Minister also visited Mannar last week to advance sports in that area.

¶ 04 We stress: you cannot develop sport solely through anti-doping measures; you must provide grassroots infrastructure. Our Sports Minister and Deputy Minister are committed to this. Regarding the Rs. 10,000 stipend to support athletes—this is to help those under financial stress remain in sport rather than leave for daily wage jobs. Some in the Opposition oppose even this. We will continue to make our sports a source of national pride.

¶ 05 Separately, I wish to raise an aviation connectivity matter from recent engagements with Sri Lankans in Saudi Arabia. I have twice visited Jeddah since this Government took office. Sri Lankans there very humbly requested the resumption of the long-suspended Colombo–Jeddah direct service (stopped nearly 30 years ago). We have discussed this with relevant Saudi authorities and with the Saudi Embassy here. A direct service would greatly benefit Sri Lankans in Saudi Arabia, especially for Hajj and Umrah travel. We are exploring with SriLankan Airlines—now being rebuilt after past losses—whether this can be started, and also with Saudi counterparts, to enable this as early as possible. People shared the hardships they face when rushing to Sri Lanka to see ill relatives or attend funerals. As a government that received strong support from Sri Lankans abroad, we will work with responsible authorities to find a good solution. After returning last week, I also discussed this with the relevant Minister. We will make the necessary arrangements. Thank you.