President orders unified action plan to intensify fight against drugs

Anura Kumara Dissanayake 

• Directs Education Ministry to lead multi-agency committee to eliminate drugs from schools
• Calls for systematic national reporting mechanism on seized narcotics and Court exhibits
• Focuses on proposed legal amendments to strengthen action against drug trafficking by sea

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed all State institutions to work under a unified national plan to eradicate the drug menace, stressing that coordinated action is essential to combat narcotics trafficking, addiction and its social consequences.

Speaking at the meeting of the “A Nation United” National Steering Council for the Eradication of the Drug Menace at the Presidential Secretariat, attended by the Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas and other religious leaders, the President instructed officials to submit a comprehensive progress report at the next meeting detailing each institution’s responsibilities, achievements and programs under the national strategy.

The meeting heard that around 70% of Sri Lanka’s prison population comprises drug-dependent offenders, prompting discussions on rehabilitation measures to address both addiction and chronic prison overcrowding. 

The President also sought updates on efforts to prevent drug use among schoolchildren, noting that 225 awareness programs have already been conducted for teachers and students. He directed the Education Ministry to lead a multi-agency committee under a common national plan to eliminate drugs from schools and approved plans to engage private and international schools in the prevention campaign.

The Council also reviewed progress on new legislation to enable the speedy destruction of seized narcotics, the introduction of an automated Court exhibit management system, decentralisation of laboratory facilities to reduce delays in forensic analysis, and the finalisation of legislation on the rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons, which will be gazetted shortly. 

Discussions further covered introducing pharmacy-based drug testing kits for parents, strengthening the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Department of the Government Analyst, adopting modern technology for forensic reporting, and tightening laws on dangerous drugs.

The President also called for a systematic national reporting mechanism on seized narcotics and Court exhibits, while authorities outlined a joint operational plan by the Navy, Police and intelligence agencies to curb maritime drug smuggling. 

The discussions included proposed legal amendments to strengthen action against drug trafficking by sea, including enhanced powers to confiscate vehicles and multi-day fishing vessels used in narcotics operations.

Among those in attendance were the Maha Sangha led by the Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter, the Most Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thera Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter, the Most Ven. Waleboda Gunasiri Thera Anunayake of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Most Ven. Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Thera. Religious leaders including Fr. Jude Bernard, Fr. Nishantha Fernando, Sri Velu Suresh Sharma Kurukkal, Muthusamy Alagesan Kurukkal and Sheikh Mohammed Arkam Nooramith Mawlavi also participated.

Others present included Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, Justice and National Integration Ministry Secretary Ayesha Jinasena, Ministry Secretaries and officials; Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya; and senior members of the security forces.