President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed that the drug menace must be defeated to ensure social stability, expressing confidence that the steps taken by his government will undoubtedly lead to victory.
Speaking at the launch of the island-wide anti-drug operation titled “Nation United – National Drive” at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, the President described narcotics as a deep and deceptive trade that has ensnared the nation, particularly targeting children and youth.
He warned that the drug crisis has now spread “from village to village”, leaving parents heartbroken as their children fall victim to addiction.
Revealing the scale of the problem, the President said that around 800–900 kilograms of narcotics are intercepted annually — a figure that represents only a small fraction of what actually enters the country. He noted that the drug trade has created a massive black economy, fueling organized crime and recent shootings across Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake further disclosed that organized crime has infiltrated state institutions, including the military and police, citing instances where state-issued firearms have ended up in the hands of criminal gangs. He warned that a “black state” — a network of corruption and criminal influence — is emerging within the official state structure.
“Some immigration officers have issued passports to underworld figures, and certain police officers have sold weapons,” he said. “We cannot allow two states to exist in one country — only one legitimate, democratic state must prevail.”
The President also cautioned that criminal networks are attempting to infiltrate politics, noting that some underworld figures have already entered political parties and local government institutions.
He pledged to take decisive action against state officials involved in such activities, stressing that no one will be protected. The President also commended the police and military for their ongoing efforts to combat the drug crisis, despite internal challenges.
Outlining the government’s rehabilitation strategy, President Dissanayake called for a society built on sports, music, and creativity to rescue youth from addiction. He urged parents to bring affected children to voluntary rehabilitation centers, which are already being established.
To strengthen enforcement, the President announced the creation of a National Operations Center, integrating Customs, Immigration, the Motor Traffic Department, the Armed Forces, Intelligence Services, and the Police to prevent drug traffickers from escaping justice.
He emphasized the vital role of religious leaders and the media in spreading awareness, adding that media organizations have pledged their full support for the anti-drug campaign.
Highlighting that many past criminal investigations were hindered by political interference, the President assured that “that political power is now over”, allowing law enforcement agencies to act independently.
Concluding his address, President Dissanayake called for nationwide unity, stating:
“This battle cannot be won by the government or the police alone. Every citizen must join hands. Together, we will destroy this deceptive storm and free our children, our society, and our nation from its grip.”
Meanwhile, the government confirmed that the island-wide anti-drug operation will be implemented with broad public participation beyond state agencies. A multi-tiered structure — including District, Regional, and Public Safety Committees — will oversee the program.
The initiative will be guided by the “A Nation United” National Steering Council, chaired by the President and comprising 23 member organizations representing diverse sectors of society.
The primary goal of the program is to eliminate narcotic drugs and trafficking, protecting youth and schoolchildren. Starting today, schools, universities, the police, the armed forces, divisional secretariats, and local government bodies will join the national effort.
Provincial, district, and local officials are also expected to formally pledge their support, reinforcing the government’s mission to build a drug-free Sri Lanka.
