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. Srineshan spoke in support of an amendment to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act, arguing that stronger legislation and strict enforcement are essential to building a drug-free Sri Lanka. He cited deteriorating drug conditions in the Batticaloa "Paduvankarai" area following the end of the civil war in 2009, a reported figure of over 230,000 drug-addicted students in Colombo, and the alleged penetration of drug networks into politics — referencing Sampath Manamperi's connections to former presidential security and the Raviraj murder case. He also raised concerns about illicit alcohol production in rural areas contributing to crime and domestic violence. Additionally, he made an unrelated request to the Minister of Fisheries to consider permitting mechanized assistance, such as tractors, for shore seine fishing in areas facing labour shortages.
Hon. Presiding Member, we are discussing an important Amendment to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act. Drug use can destroy the country and future generations. We must build a “Clean Sri Lanka,” a drug-free nation, and put in place the programmes to achieve it.
In Batticaloa, during the period when the LTTE controlled the “Paduvankarai” area, drug use was not tolerated. After the war ended in 2009 and the area came under Government control, drug use increased. Multiple agencies—the Police, Excise Department, STF, and the Army—operate there; the law must be enforced to curb drugs effectively.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat for four terms, campaigned to make the state drug-free, earning him renown; he is now serving a second term as Prime Minister. Likewise, Sri Lanka should become drug-free, without smuggling and the destructive activities that ruin people.
A report stated that over 230,000 students in Colombo are addicted to drugs, according to a senior police officer. If the school system is so affected, past governments must accept responsibility. The name of Sampath Manamperi is repeatedly mentioned regarding drugs, underworld links, former President’s security, and even in the Raviraj murder—showing how drugs have penetrated politics through close ties to politicians.
We must have strong laws and strict policing. It is not enough to file a certain number of cases; the law must be enforced to eliminate drugs. Illicit “kasippu” (toddy) and illegal arrack production thrive in remote villages, increasing crime, domestic violence, murders, and child abuse. The law must be strengthened and strictly applied.
On fisheries: due to labour shortages, some fishermen use mechanized power (e.g., tractors) to pull “wing nets” (shore seines). I request the Hon. Minister of Fisheries to study this and, if justifiable, allow mechanized assistance where human labour is insufficient.