Minister Samantha Vidyarathne shook Parliament by claiming the roots of Sri Lanka’s organized crime trace back to Carlton House, igniting a fiery debate on politics, drugs, and privilege.
Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathne created a storm in Parliament when he declared that the roots of organized crime in Sri Lanka ultimately lead back to Carlton House. In his speech, the Minister drew a direct line between political power and the underworld, pointing out that long-protected drug and crime networks are now being exposed in an unprecedented crackdown.
He further revealed that the drug war has unsettled the political establishment to such a degree that the opposition, once divided on many issues, has come together in a rare alliance. According to Vidyarathne, this unusual unity is driven by groups connected to the drug trade and underworld activities finding themselves cornered and aligning in one camp. On the other side, he said, stand educated, intelligent, and progressive leaders working to break the cycle of impunity and crime.
Vidyarathne also praised President Anura Dissanayake, stating that his decision to give up privileges set a powerful example in the political sphere. The Minister argued that without the intervention of the National People’s Power (NPP), the recent breakthroughs in tackling drug trafficking would never have been possible, leaving the younger generation vulnerable to the grip of narcotics and organized crime.
By directly naming Carlton House, the Minister not only placed the spotlight on the roots of the underworld but also signaled a deeper challenge to entrenched political influence. His words have intensified the national debate on accountability, power, and the future direction of Sri Lanka’s fight against drugs and organized crime.
