A discussion on Sri Lanka’s massive drug seizures took an unexpectedly hilarious turn during Rupavahini’s political talk show ‘Karata Kara’ last night (20), when former UNP MP Ajith Mannapperuma seriously asked whether the seized narcotics could somehow be used “for the betterment of the country.”

The programme featured NPP MPs Chandima Hettiarachchi and Nishantha Samaraweera, SJB MP Hector Appuhamy, and Mannapperuma representing the UNP.

During the discussion, NPP MP Hettiarachchi reeled off staggering figures of recent drug seizures — 1,268 kilograms of heroin, 1,863 kilograms of crystal meth (ice), 14,281 kilograms of Kerala cannabis, 552 kilograms of hashish, 32 kilograms of cocaine, and more than 3.5 million narcotic pills.

He further noted that 18 of 40 red warrant suspects had already been brought back to the country, arguing that the figures reflected the government’s inconsistent approach to tackling the black economy.

At that point, Mannapperuma interrupted:

“Now what are you going to do with these stocks?”

When Hettiarachchi began to respond — “When Maithripala Sirisena was President…” — Mannapperuma cut in again, saying,

“No, don’t take this as a joke. I’m asking a serious question.”

To this, NPP MP Nishantha Samaraweera replied,

“They’ll be destroyed.”

Mannapperuma, then asked,

“Can’t we at least use it to bring some value to the country?”

The remark sent the entire studio into laughter. Hettiarachchi quickly shot back,

“You mean to sell?”

At this point, the host, Appuhamy, and others burst out laughing.

Trying to justify his point amid the laughter, Mannapperuma quipped,

“Well, your government is already talking about selling cannabis!”

Samaraweera, laughing uncontrollably, ended the exchange saying,

“That’s enough jokes for the day.”

Mannapperuma: “I didn’t know. That’s why I asked.”

Hettiarachchi: (Laughing) “Those are court productions. Are you trying to make us to sell drugs as a government.”