May 21, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that the Government is prepared to introduce tougher legislation to dismantle drug trafficking networks and organised criminal gangs, insisting that political protection once enjoyed by narcotics operations no longer exists in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the “A Nation United” anti-drug programme held at Batticaloa Weber Stadium, the President said the country had already made considerable progress during the first six months of the nationwide campaign launched to combat narcotics and underworld activity.
Addressing a large gathering of officials, security personnel and members of the public, President Dissanayake stated that law enforcement authorities were now able to conduct investigations without political pressure or outside interference. He said institutions responsible for public security had been given the freedom to carry out their duties within the law and warned that any gaps in the legal framework would soon be addressed through new legislation.
The President described narcotics as one of the gravest social threats facing the country, noting that drug abuse had spread far beyond urban centres and tourist areas into rural communities and villages. He stressed that the issue was destroying young lives, weakening families and fuelling violent criminal activity across the country.
According to figures revealed during the event, more than 5,000 boys under the age of 21 and over 100 girls had been arrested in connection with narcotics-related offences since the launch of the operation late last year. Authorities have also seized large quantities of heroin, crystal methamphetamine and cannabis during coordinated raids conducted by the Police, Navy and Special Task Force.
President Dissanayake praised the efforts of security forces in the Eastern Province, particularly officers engaged in anti-narcotics operations, saying their contribution had been critical in disrupting trafficking networks and recovering illegal weapons linked to organised crime groups.
He further revealed that several alleged underworld figures operating from overseas had already been arrested and returned to Sri Lanka, while others remained under investigation. Special detention facilities had also been established to isolate high-risk criminal suspects believed to have continued directing operations from within prisons.
The President stressed that the rule of law must apply equally to every citizen regardless of social status, political influence or professional position. He warned that the Government would not tolerate attempts to obstruct investigations or intimidate law enforcement agencies.
During his speech, President Dissanayake also addressed broader economic challenges facing the country, including pressure on the rupee caused by declining tourism revenue, reduced export earnings and rising fuel import costs linked to instability in the Middle East. He said the Government was working closely with international financial institutions while implementing measures to stabilise the economy and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
He claimed that careful financial management had enabled the Government to maintain subsidies on fuel and electricity despite global economic uncertainty and the financial burden created by recent natural disasters.
Concluding his remarks, the President called on the public, religious institutions and community leaders to support the national anti-drug campaign by providing information and remaining vigilant. He said defeating the narcotics trade would require sustained commitment, public cooperation and stronger enforcement mechanisms over the long term.
Several ministers, senior government officials, defence authorities and members of the security forces were among those who attended the programme in Batticaloa.