The UNP has appointed a committee headed by Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella to investigate into allegations raised by Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake that several ministers and deputy ministers use drugs. 

Ramanayake addressing a press conference yesterday said a list of 24 names of MPs using drugs would be handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the Criminal Investigations Department. 

Ramanayake also added that among them were Cabinet ministers, state and deputy ministers and Parliamentarians from both sides. 

Ramanayake added that some of them were involved in drug-related businesses and maintained close ties with drug smugglers and traffickers. 

The Deputy Minister said the Speaker could ascertain the truth of his claims by doing a blood test on each MP appearing on the list. "It costs only around Rs. 4200. I will conduct a blood test on my own and present my report to the Speaker. 

Ramanayaka added that lawmakers from Negombo, Matale, Galle and several other areas were habitual users of Cocaine. "There is also a party leader from the hill country who spoke vociferously about estate workers