2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
Hon. Nishantha Perera spoke in support of the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill at their Second Reading, framing both pieces of legislation as central to the NPP Government's anti-drug campaign, "Get Out." He argued that drug trafficking had become deeply entrenched in Sri Lankan society over decades, alleging that previous administrations had protected underworld figures and drug dealers, some of whom rose to hold elected positions. Perera credited the NPP Government with stabilising the economy and shifting political culture since taking office, and stated that the proposed amendments were necessary to address drug smuggling routes, particularly by sea. He expressed support for the Minister of Justice in bringing forward the legislation.
Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member, for the opportunity to speak at the Second Reading on the Judicature (Amendment) Bill and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill.
Everyone knows drugs enter our island either by air or sea. Regardless of Opposition arguments, drugs have pervaded society down to the village level. Drug trafficking and politics were intertwined, dragging society into disaster. The people gave the National People’s Power (NPP) a mandate to rescue the country and transform politics, the economy, and society.
We inherited an economic collapse—without dollars or rupees. Within about a year and a few months, we stabilized and transformed the economy and changed the political culture that forced public servants to bow to “sir/madam” rituals or face punitive transfers.
A major public expectation was to save the Motherland from the drug menace. We launched the national operation “Get Out” under “A country free from intoxication – a joyful tomorrow.” Sri Lanka was known as a tea hub, but it was turned into a “powder (drug) hub” and “ice hub” by previous rulers. Since 1977, a cut-throat culture took root. Underworld figures and drug dealers stood behind the protection of Presidents and princes—Gonawala Sunil, Soththi Upali, Kehelbaddara Podda, Julampitiye Amare, Chandi Malli, Sampath Manamperi, Manoj Mendis, and others—some even became mayors and local authority chairmen. This rot ran deep.
We have now begun a massive national campaign to end it. Under the leadership of the Hon. President and the NPP Government, we will enact the laws needed to block maritime trafficking, among others. We thank the Hon. Minister of Justice for bringing these Amendments.
Thank you for the time.