The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe

Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe spoke in support of two bills amending the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, framing them as essential components of the government's broader anti-narcotics strategy. He outlined the October-launched national operation "Country Together – Quit," which targets traffickers, provides rehabilitation for users, and builds prevention structures at multiple administrative levels. He highlighted Sri Lanka's vulnerability to maritime drug trafficking through the Indian Ocean, citing trafficking routes from the "Golden Crescent" and "Golden Triangle," and called for enhanced naval and air surveillance, a dedicated Narcotics Prevention Bureau, stronger penalties, expedited case resolution, and expanded international cooperation with INTERPOL and UN agencies. He endorsed the legislative amendments as necessary to underpin a comprehensive strategy encompassing supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, and community involvement.

The record for this entry does not contain a substantive speech. It reflects only a procedural moment in which a motion was seconded, agreed to, and a change of Chair occurred, with The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda being replaced by The Hon. Upul Kithsiri.