2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading
Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law
2026-02-19
Deputy Minister Watagala concluded his remarks by defending the government's gas procurement process against Opposition criticism, asserting that allegations regarding gas queues were unfounded and that procurement follows proper tender procedures. He outlined the government's multi-pronged anti-drug strategy, encompassing maritime law enforcement, supply chain disruption, rehabilitation programmes, and asset freezing measures. He also referenced a proposed constitutional framework within which he stated the Opposition Leader's role would be formally recognised.
Please grant me a few minutes to conclude; I have a few responses to complete.
As I said, the Opposition’s claims about gas queues were baseless. We proceed by tender and due process; while there can be delays, the overall process is sound.
We will continue this comprehensive anti-drug effort—closing legal gaps at sea, attacking the supply chain, expanding rehabilitation, freezing criminal proceeds, and upholding unity—so that, under our proposed constitutional framework, even the Leader of the Opposition’s role is respected within a cleaner, drug-free Sri Lanka.