President says ready to provide leadership for war to save nation from drug smugglers

• Felicitates officers who showed special talents in preventing drug menace
• Pledges to end era in which criminals have hand in transferring Police officers
• Special unit to inform on obstacles faced by Police officers in fulfilling duties
• New Cabinet Paper to establish a Rehabilitation Authority
  
   

To save the nation from brutal drug smugglers a war must be conducted in a similar manner as the war against the ruthless terrorism that lasted 30 years, President Maithripala Sirisena said on Monday. 

Sirisena requested members of the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Defence Department to come forward with their talents and bravery to fulfil this humane task and said that he was ready to provide leadership towards this end.

He made these remarks addressing the ‘Janapathi Prashansa’ awards ceremony to felicitate Police officers who played a major role in making the ‘Mathin Nidahas Ratak’ concept a success at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

The President further said that he would end the era in which drug smugglers and persons engaged in various illegal activities were able to bring about the transfer of Officers-In-Charge (OICs) of Police Stations.

The President said that when giving transfers to Police officers, including annual transfers, policy transfers and other transfers, the reason for the transfer should be included in the transfer note itself and he would give the order in this regard.

President Sirisena said that this step would be taken to create an environment for all Police officers to fulfil their respective duties with honesty at all times. He also said that as the President and the Minister in charge of the Police, he was committed to protect the officers who perform their duties truthfully. 

The President said that he would establish a special unit to create a system to inform him personally if a police officer was transferred due to the knowledge of the racketeers and smugglers or if any personal harm or challenge faced them. 

He also said that a new Cabinet paper would be submitted to Cabinet on the establishment of a Rehabilitation Authority to rehabilitate persons who addicted to drugs and that steps would be taken to establish the committee comprising experts representing various fields, within the next few weeks.

The President emphasised on the need for all citizens, including secretaries of the ministries to the workers as well as clergy and Government servants, to contribute to make Sri Lankan a drug-free country. The President also invited everyone to get involved in this national program. 

A total of 1,007 Policemen were presented with certificates of appreciation by the President honouring their attempts to make Sri Lanka a drug-free country – a concept that was initiated in 2015. He also expressed appreciation to them for ensuring a free and a peaceful life for citizens through their efforts to eradicate drugs, alcohol and organized crimes. This is the first occasion an award ceremony of this magnitude was conducted. Governors, ministers, ambassadors and distinguished guests including the three Commanders of the Armed Forces as well as the Inspector General of Police were also present.