Country benefitted from drug prevention programs during past few years: President

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said he has provided continuous leadership throughout his entire political career in order to prevent the destruction caused by the drug menace.

The President noted that although he signed the declaration to impose capital punishment on drug kingpins, it was not possible to implement the decision due to the opposition of concerned parties irrespective of their political views.

However, the country was able to reap many benefits as a result of the drug prevention programs initiated by him during the last few years, he claimed, and that the dastardly terror attack that was carried out on 21 April was a cowardly attempt to dwindle efforts to eradicate drugs.

The President made these comments at a ceremony held at Nalanda College, Colombo, to felicitate St. John’s Ambulance Association Sri Lanka Chairman and old Nalandian Dr. Sarath Samarage, who was honoured with a knighthood by the British Queen.

Dr. Samarage, who plays a significant role in the Sri Lankan medical field, is currently serving as the President of the Prevention Organisation of the Joint Federation of NGOs against Drug Abuse.

The President, appreciating Dr. Saman Samarage for his service to the country, extended his best wishes to him on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka.