2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan expressed full support for the Judicial Organization (Amendment) Bill, endorsing its aim to impose harsher penalties on drug-related offences. He cited recent violent incidents, including a courthouse shooting and the murder of a lawyer and his wife linked to drug traffickers, as evidence of the severity of the drug problem and the need for stronger legislative measures. He also called for complementary approaches including religious and moral education, strengthened parental responsibility, and improved economic opportunities to reduce vulnerability to drug involvement. Drawing on examples from Muslim-majority countries where severe punishments are said to deter drug crimes, he argued that appropriately stringent penalties in Sri Lanka would help curb associated crimes such as robbery, abuse, and rape.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, we fully support the Judicial Organization (Amendment) Bill brought by the Hon. Minister of Justice. Drug addiction destroys families. The aim to impose harsher punishment through this amendment is welcome.
Recently, there was a shooting inside a courthouse—linked to drug traffickers. A lawyer and his wife were also recently shot dead for leading a case against traffickers. Many such murders have occurred; drugs are a major cause. Traffickers use addicts as blunt instruments to commit crimes. While complete eradication is difficult, imposing maximum penalties and firm controls will help.
Religion and ethics also matter. The breakdown of social and moral support pushes children into misery. All religions teach moral living; we must increase religious activities and parental care to prevent addiction.
No one should be a burden to family or country; we must ensure economic opportunities so that people do not resort to drug distribution due to hardship. Government initiatives need public support; without it, nothing can be eradicated.
In some countries, especially Muslim nations, very severe punishments deter drug crimes. Introducing appropriately stringent penalties here can help bring this under control; otherwise murders, robberies, abuse, and rape will continue, harming the economy. As citizens, we must all support the eradication of drugs.