Parliamentary debate on MPs using narcotics

Colombo (News 1st): A debate took place in Parliament today (Feb 20) regarding the statement made by Minister Ranjan Ramanayaka, claiming that several MP's and ministers use narcotic substances. UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardena noted that among the 225 MPs in parliament, 24 MPs have been accused of using the narcotic substance named cocaine. He pointed out that this is a serious allegation and these 24 MPs represent the parliament of Sri Lanka. He requested the Speaker, State Minister Ranjan Ramanayaka and the leader of the respective state minister's party to reveal the names of these 24 MPs. MP Shehan Semasinghe noted that they have received SMS alerts stating that a committee headed by Minister Kiriella of the UNP was appointed to investigate this matter. However, he said according to State Minister Ranjan Ramanayaka, 4 MPs seated in the front row are using cocaine and in order to prevent this parliament from further disgrace, we request the speaker to take immediate action regarding this matter. He noted that that has also requested a DNA test to be conducted and to provide an immediate solution to this. MP Semasinghe requested the speaker to appoint MPs other than the drug addicts from the 1st row, to this committee. The Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that they do not have to conduct DNA tests on everyone as there are a few MPs who have never witnessed such narcotic substances during their entire life. He pointed out that such tests and investigations must first be conducted on the 24 accused MPs. The Leader of the House Minister Lakshman Kiriella noted that based on the information received, the names of the 24 MPs have not been revealed to the Prime Minister, Speaker or even the Chairman of their respective party. He said during the group discussion today, they have learned that the names have been revealed to the CID. He noted that a committee, headed by him was appointed to investigate this matter and the committee includes MP Eran Wickremerathna, MP Ashu Marasinghe, and MP Nissanka Nanayakkara. Minister Ravi Karunanayake speaking in this regard noted that the minister is making it a habit to reveal such information to the media and such allegations were made before, and even names were revealed. Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri noted that the speaker requested him to inform parliament that he did not receive such information in any form of a written document. MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the MP has stated to media that he will not withdraw his statement, therefore he said an investigation must be conducted as the minister has refused to withdraw his statements. UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said when an incident takes place in parliament, the speaker appoints a committee and attempts to apprehend individuals. He said the claim that MPs use cocaine is a serious allegation and is a disgrace to the parliament. Deputy Kumarasiri responded with responsibility, noted that the speaker has not yet received any document in this regard. MP Aluthgamage pointed out that a minister stated previously, that a list including the names of the MPs who use cocaine has been submitted to the speaker. He said when such information is published as headlines on the news, the speaker must state clearly in parliament that such a document does not exist. However, he said the speaker did not make such a statement. UNP MP Nalin Bandara said Ranjan Ramanayaka has a responsibility to reveal the names of the MP who use cocaine. He said the largest drug lord in Sri Lanka Makandure Madush has been apprehended and with his apprehension, many facts have been revealed. He questioned; "Is this a contract to cover up Madush's matter?" MP Ranjith De Zoysa requested for the names of those who consume narcotics for the sake of saving who have not even had a betel. MP Sisira Jayakody noted that you can check the narcotic substances in a person through a urine sample within 72 hours. He noted that if you are using blood samples, you only have 1 to 2 days and a maximum of 48 hours if not you can use hair samples and do a test for narcotic substances. He said Ranjan Ramanayake cannot use hair samples and do a test therefore, they wonder how they will do the test. The Leader of the House noted that the Speaker can do a separate test apart from the one carried out by the United National Front.

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