Book on ganja in Parliament causes stir; Speaker promises probe

By Saman Indrajith

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday promised to conduct an investigation to ascertain how a book titled Triloka Vijaya promoting the use of ganja had been distributed among the staff of Parliament and who was responsible.

 The speaker promised a probe after the matter had been brought to his notice by Matara District SJB MP Buddhika Pathirana at the time of commencement of the sittings. 

MP Pathirana:

I spoke of a plan to propagate the use of ganja on Tuesday. Shortly afterwards, I came to know that a book titled, Triloka Vijaya, had been distributed among parliament staff members. (He showed a copy of the book to the House.) Visitors are not allowed. Who brought this into the parliamentary premises? How could it be distributed among parliament staff members? Copies of a book dedicated to the Speaker could be distributed among parliament staff members, and there is nothing wrong with it. The dedication of the book says that it is for the purpose of delight (aanandaya labanna). What does it mean? Isn’t it to promote the smoking of ganja? I queried this from Ministers Bandula Gunawardena and S.B. Dissanayake but could not get an answer.

 The Speaker: I will look into the matter.

 Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena: Since my colleague mentioned my name I have to clarify that I had nothing to do with distributing this book. We too are engaged in writing and publishing books. So, the wrong impression could be created when our names are mentioned in connection with a book. I did not bring such a book or distribute anything of the sort.

 MP Pathirana: Since the word, anandaya, is mentioned, I asked both Minister Gunawardena and S.B. Dissanayake of the meaning of the word. We have heard of aanandayen pragnawata (from delight to wisdom). There is a signature on the title page of the book. If the Speaker appoints an investigating body, involving the Secretary General and the Sergeant-at-Arms, I can hand this book to them. We can check the CCTV footage and find out how these books had been brought in and who did it. Does distributing this book among parliament staff mean it is asking them to smoke ganja? What is the next step? Is it asking the MPs to smoke ganja?

The Speaker: We will look into the matter.