A high-level discussion was held this afternoon (28) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on the recent arrest of a group of Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport over the possession of narcotics and the developments that followed.
The meeting was attended by members of the Maha Sangha representing the country’s three main Nikayas, along with senior officials, including the Inspector General of Police, who briefed those present on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the progress of ongoing investigations.
Addressing the gathering, the President said the incident reflects how far the drug menace has grown into a national crisis. He stressed the urgent need for all sectors of society to unite with the Government’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities.
The President further assured that, amid the country’s wider economic and social transformation, the Government would give priority to protecting the Buddhasasana and preserving its associated values.
The Maha Nayake Theras, who had already issued a statement on the matter, urged both the Government and the public to regard it as the collective position of the entire Sangha community. They also emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of the Sangha requires not only internal efforts, but also strong support from the State in light of emerging challenges.
