2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
## Summary
Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara criticised the Opposition for procedural misconduct, citing absenteeism during debates, unnecessary divisions, violations of Standing Order 27(2), and the use of unparliamentary language, including offensive remarks directed at women Members, stating that the Parliamentary Business Committee has addressed these matters and that such conduct will not be tolerated. He then spoke in support of narcotics-related legislation being brought before Parliament, arguing that for decades the drug trade had operated under political patronage, and that the current National People's Power Government has moved to sever that connection. Drawing on the example of Pablo Escobar, the Minister framed the legislation as a moral imperative to protect future generations from drug networks, pledging that the Government would not only pass the Bill but actively implement it.
Hon. Presiding Member, they are allowing him to remain in that position indefinitely, as if granting life membership of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition because of what he said today. See how low the stature of an Opposition Leader can fall. They come here and, at times, call for divisions; how much of this Parliament’s time is wasted when a division is called? Yet the very Member who calls for a division is not even in the Chamber. It is a disgrace. At the conclusion of the debate, not a single Member of the Opposition is present. They show up in the first hour, put on a performance, pose for Facebook with a tight face, grab the clip, and leave.
As one of our Hon. Members said, Standing Order 27(2) has been violated. They are trying to turn this House into a mere talk show. That cannot be allowed, Hon. Presiding Member. This must be a dignified Parliament. We discussed the alleged unparliamentary language at the Parliamentary Business Committee and informed the party leaders. Action must be taken against those who use unparliamentary words in this Parliament. Such things cannot be permitted. Look at the filth hurled at our women Members. When they have nothing to say, no battle plan, they resort to the foulest language in this Chamber, even when children are in the galleries. Perhaps such things happened in earlier Parliaments, but we will not allow it in this Parliament. We have taken decisions on these matters at the Parliamentary Business Committee.
Hon. Presiding Member, let me conclude with a brief point. There is a very unfortunate reality within the narcotics network: a “black government” operating under the cover of the State. For decades, a black business was nurtured by political authority. Behind this black business stand politicians—this is what has dragged the country down. However, only when the National People’s Power formed a Government did we set aside that political patronage.
Now the responsibility lies with officials too. We are taking our citizens along with us as we go into this drug network. An unfortunate situation has arisen. To all in this narcotics network we say: let us protect our country. The call to “surrender” was issued for that very purpose. In Colombia, Pablo Escobar was called the “Cocaine King.” What happened to him? In the end, he destroyed the entire country, sold drugs to children, and when his own son fell ill and needed warmth, he had to burn the very money he had amassed to keep the child warm. That money is worthless.
Therefore, to everyone in this drug network and throughout its supply chain, we say: you are destroying our country and our children. Amassing abnormal wealth through such illegal activity at the cost of a nation’s next generation is not building comfort for your own children; it is dragging the children of the whole world into ruin. Children everywhere—not only in our country—must live.
It is for the future of our children, here and across the world, that we bring legislation such as this. Hon. Presiding Member, today we bring such a Bill to this august House to be passed. And not only passed—we will implement it. I now take my seat. Thank you very much.