Hon. (Mrs.) A. M. M. M. Rathwatthe

## Summary Hon. (Mrs.) Rathwatthe spoke in support of the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, arguing that legal reform is essential to combat drug trafficking that, under previous administrations, had allegedly spread into rural communities with the complicity of political authorities. She outlined the NPP government's national anti-drug programme, "Rataama Ekata," launched on 30 October 2025, which encompasses enforcement, rehabilitation, community-level mechanisms, public awareness, and legal strengthening, and reported significant results between October 2025 and January 2026, including over 77,000 police raids, 77,105 arrests, and the seizure of large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and other substances. She also informed the House of the government's relief response to flooding caused by Cyclone "Divi" in the Digamadulla District, detailing financial assistance provided to 435 households, affected schoolchildren, and schools, as well as an ongoing housing programme for 104 families identified for reconstruction support.