The President emphasized that, alongside the country’s physical development, social well-being and stability are equally important, and that all citizens must fulfill their responsibilities to eradicate the drug menace—which has become a national disaster—from the country and to protect future generations from this calamity, said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The President made these remarks while participating in the third meeting of the “Ratama Ekata” (The Whole Country Together) National Task Force, established to eliminate the drug menace from the country. The meeting was held this morning (06) at the Presidential Secretariat with the participation of members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, along with other religious leaders.
With the objective of completely eradicating the widespread drug problem in the country through a multi-pronged approach—disrupting drug supply across the island, expanding raids, rehabilitating addicts, implementing prevention programs aimed at discouraging drug use, and empowering communities to stand against drugs—the national operation titled “A Drug-Free Country – A Happier Tomorrow” is being implemented under the theme “Withdraw – The Whole Country Together.”
This initiative is being carried out as a united national front involving the government, security forces, civil organizations, and all citizens, with the aim of creating strong social pressure against drug traffickers and distributors, while also rehabilitating drug users.
During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the progress of ongoing raids, arrests, and rehabilitation efforts related to drug control. The President expressed his appreciation to all institutions, officials, and members of the public who are dedicated to this cause.
It was revealed that between January 1, 2025, and January 5, 2026, authorities had seized:
- 1,821.174 kg of heroin
- 3,865.710 kg of crystal meth (ICE)
- 17,189.377 kg of cannabis
- 38.958 kg of cocaine
- 4,049,569 narcotic pills and capsules
As decided at the previous meeting, attention was also drawn to the progress of drafting new legislation to expedite the destruction of seized narcotics. The President instructed the relevant authorities to accelerate this process. Discussions were also held regarding the progress of destroying drug stocks currently in custody.
The necessity of identifying social data related to individuals addicted to drugs and conducting surveys to collect relevant information was also discussed.
Furthermore, discussions focused on establishing a strong mechanism that integrates educational institutions, government bodies, volunteer organizations, cultural organizations, and all other stakeholders to expand the implementation of this national program.
The meeting also addressed the implementation of public awareness programs with the involvement of religious leaders, utilizing the strong connection between villages and religious institutions.
Those in attendance included senior members of the Maha Sangha such as the Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera (Deputy Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter), the Most Venerable Narampanawa Ananda Thera (Deputy Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter), the Most Venerable Waleboda Gnanissara Thera (Deputy Prelate of the Ramanna Nikaya), and the Most Venerable Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Thera.
Also present were religious leaders including Father Nishantha Fernando, Kurukkal Sri Velu Suresh Sharma, Kurukkal Muthusamy Alagesan, and Sheikh Mohamed Akram Nooramit Maulavi.
Among the officials present were Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala; Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage; and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyyakontha, along with several others.
