Sajith calls for Singapore-style punishments for drug traffickers

Friday, 26 June 2026 04:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Backs zero-tolerance anti-narcotics drive

Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the Government to adopt Singapore-style punitive measures against drug traffickers, arguing that Sri Lanka must enforce strict and non-discriminatory punishment to effectively dismantle the narcotics trade.

Speaking in Parliament in response to remarks made by the President, Premadasa said the SJB fully supports the eradication of narcotics, illegal drugs, and toxic substances, and maintains that individuals involved in such activities have no place within the party.

Rejecting allegations that the Opposition is opposed to anti-drug operations, Premadasa stressed that the destruction of the narcotics network must be pursued through strong enforcement of justice and the rule of law.

He warned that drug trafficking networks have deeply infiltrated society, including schools and younger populations, and said offenders should be arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned in a manner that prevents them from continuing criminal activity even while in custody.

“Traffickers must be arrested and imprisoned with taxpayers’ money, without being allowed to continue their operations from prison,” he said, calling for a tougher correctional approach.

Premadasa further urged the adoption of a Singapore-style enforcement model, widely known for its strict penalties and deterrent framework, as a means of strengthening Sri Lanka’s anti-narcotics strategy.

He added that any criminal activity within the State must be opposed without exception, reiterating that the eradication of drugs remains both a public demand and a core position of the Opposition.