2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa expressed the government's support for the proposed amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act, citing decades of worsening drug addiction across all demographics and Sri Lanka's risk of becoming a regional narcotics hub. He highlighted increased enforcement activity under the current administration, citing a significant rise in drug-related arrests in the first half of 2025 compared to 2019 figures. He argued that legal reform alone is insufficient, and outlined a broader government strategy linking anti-drug efforts to poverty eradication through the "Praja Shakthi" national mission, which aims to connect addiction-affected families to rehabilitation and support services. He described a multi-tiered governance structure—including a National Operations Council, district task forces, and village-level committees—as the coordinating framework through which the legislative amendments would be implemented.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
We support the amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and to the Judicature Act. For decades addiction has grown among schoolchildren, youth, adults, and women. Trafficking networks strengthened; even synthetic drugs began to be produced locally; and Sri Lanka risked becoming a regional hub.
Under the President’s leadership we launched a nationwide mission to free the country from narcotics. Arrests have markedly increased. For example, compared with 2019 figures, in the first six months of 2025 alone, tens of thousands have been arrested for cannabis, heroin, and “ice”-related offences. Military and police operations have intensified accordingly.
But enforcement is only part of the answer. Poverty and social breakdown feed addiction. Our ministry has launched the “Praja Shakthi” national mission to eradicate poverty, empowering families and youths at the grassroots. As part of that, families affected by addiction will be connected to rehabilitation and support. This is not about chasing headlines; it is about a coherent plan—clean governance, clean institutions, and a Clean Sri Lanka—implemented through digital governance and coordinated structures: a National Operations Council, district task forces, divisional and village committees, and Public Security Committees involving all agencies. With this organized, nationwide effort, these legal amendments will help us deliver a safer future for our children.