President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says fostering a religious awakening among the younger generation is essential to steer them away from narcotics and other social evils, emphasizing that religious leaders, particularly the Maha Sangha, have a significant role to play in this effort.
The President made these remarks while attending the Vaishakya Festival 2026 held at the Ganewewa Purana Viharaya in Nikaweratiya yesterday (May 29).
Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake stated that, for the first time in Sri Lanka, the political protection that previously existed for drug trafficking and organised crime has been dismantled.
“I can confidently assure you that none of those individuals receive political patronage any longer,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies are working continuously to combat organised crime and narcotics trafficking.
The President noted that while the government can address the issue through laws, regulations, and state institutions, lasting solutions require a deeper transformation within society.
“That is why monks such as Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thera are so important. Creating a religious awakening among the younger generation is essential to shutting this destructive gateway,” he said.
President Dissanayake highlighted the influence of modern technology on youth, noting that while it provides unprecedented opportunities for education, communication, and development, it also exposes young people to harmful influences, including drugs, abuse, and criminal networks.
He revealed that since the launch of the government’s anti-drug campaign on October 31 last year, authorities have seized significant quantities of narcotics within seven months, while warning that much larger volumes may still be circulating in society.
“Our greatest challenge today is how to guide this younger generation, which is heading towards this destructive gateway, towards a future that is safe and meaningful,” he said.
The President praised the religious and social work carried out by Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thera, particularly his efforts to engage young people through Dhamma teachings and spiritual guidance.
He noted that nearly 3.5 million people, many of them young, had been reached through the Thera’s recent Dhamma programmes.
President Dissanayake also stressed the need to establish a new framework of ethics and values in society, encouraging young people to respect elders, appreciate diversity, and embrace compassion toward all cultures, ethnicities, and religions.
During the event, the book “Divi Man Sadaham,” compiled from sermons delivered by Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thera, was officially launched along with the temple’s mobile application.
The newly constructed Dhamma Hall, Bodhighara, bell tower, and alms hall of the temple were also ceremonially inaugurated.
The event was attended by senior members of the Maha Sangha, religious leaders, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, North Western Province Governor Tissa Warnasuriya, Members of Parliament, government officials, indigenous leader Vannila Aththo, and a large gathering of devotees.