2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
## 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.
With the National People’s Power (NPP) government taking office, we have been enacting many laws to advance the economy, politics, and culture. Today we consider two important Bills: the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill.
Previously, hard drugs like ice, cocaine, and heroin were largely urban phenomena, but with the protection and blessing of political authorities, they spread into villages, even to temples, mosques, and state institutions. It is no secret that drug traffickers had an unbreakable bond with certain political authorities. For example, when enforcement went to search the homes of some Ministers involved in drug trafficking, the “first citizen” once arrived by helicopter to those houses—demonstrating that bond.
What was once a small plant has grown into a giant tree; to fell it, we must reform laws and make new ones. We promised the people to protect their children and families from this scourge. Under the theme “Get Out” within the national programme “A country free from intoxication – a joyful tomorrow,” we launched the “Rataama Ekata” national operation on 30 October. Its four aims are: suppress and isolate traffickers; rehabilitate and reintegrate users; strengthen mechanisms at national, district, and village levels; conduct broad public awareness; and strengthen the legal framework.
We introduced the 1818, 24/7 hotline so the public can supply accurate information on drug trafficking and distribution islandwide.
In a short period—from 30.10.2025 to 22.01.2026—combined operations by the Tri-Forces and Police seized approximately: 320 kg of heroin, 1,280 kg of ice (methamphetamine), 8 kg of cocaine, 2,341 kg of cannabis, 5,568,583 cannabis plants, 155 kg of kush, and 44 kg of hashish. The Police conducted 77,824 raids and arrested 77,105 suspects.
Finally, about Cyclone “Divi” in the Digamadulla District (Dehiattakandiya area): five villages were flooded by the overflowing Mahaweli River. Thanks to the dedication of officials, political authorities, and the public, there was no loss of life. Within about two weeks, we provided Rs. 25,000 each to 435 households; Rs. 15,000 each to affected schoolchildren; Rs. 50,000 to a number of schools; and identified 104 families for Rs. 500,000 housing assistance—two houses have already had foundation stones laid. For those who cannot rebuild on their original land, alternate sites have been identified and surveyed, and the housing programme is underway. I thank the officials, political authorities, and residents involved.
Thank you.