UNP moves no confidence motion against Govt. over drugs

Saturday, 22 February 2014 07:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Parliament was taken by surprise yesterday with the main opposition United National Party moving a no confidence motion against the Government. The basis for the move by the UNP was what it described as the “pathetic situation Sri Lanka has reached” becoming the “international narcotic distribution centre” and resolved that “it has lost confidence in the ability of the Government to secure and promote the welfare of its citizens”. Chief Opposition Whip in Parliament MP John Amaratunga moving the no confidence motion, with 30 signatures taken from UNP members. During the vote of condolence on ex-Member of Parliament late Festus Perera, he said: “The media reported that Police

investigations in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India and other countries have revealed the existence of an international drug cartel operating across South East Asia and the Gulf coast. The investigations have also revealed that Afghan manufactured heroin is brought into Pakistan and through the Punjab border to Sri Lanka, making Sri Lanka the focal point for distribution of heroin to other parts of South Asia. This drug cartel has become a threat to the wellbeing of the region. The investigations have revealed the involvement of Pakistani, Indian and Sri Lankan nationals in this syndicate. These drugs are available in every nook and corner of Sri Lanka, resulting in increasing consumption of heroin by young people. “Kumaran Pathmanathan who is wanted by Interpol for the assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and is reported to be involved in drug smuggling, lives in Sri Lanka under the protection of the Government. In August 2013, the Coordinating Secretary to the Prime Minister had issued a letter to the Manager, East Asia Gateway Terminal requesting the release of a container, which turned out to contain narcotic drugs. The Coordinating Secretary’s complicity in this transaction is evidenced by his resignation dated 9 December 2013 and the Government has failed to coordinate with the authorities in India and Pakistan in regard to eliminating this syndicate. Government has also failed to make a full inquiry into the detection of vast quantities of drugs smuggled into the country.” “No meaningful measures are being taken to eradicate the distribution of drugs within Sri Lanka. It appears that the Government is unwilling to control and curb this menace, which appears to be continuing unabated as seen by some recent reports of containers being released without checks. This will result in disastrous consequences to the social and economic fabric of this land, which boasts a proud history of over 2,500 years. If continued, the future of this country will be in peril, making Sri Lanka a narcotic state. This House resolves that it has lost confidence in the ability of the Government to secure and promote the welfare of its citizens,” he added. The Government is expected to allocate a full-day debate next week by listing the no confidence motion in the Order Paper.