Unite Across the Nation as a Robust Security Barrier to Combat the Drug Menace
Entrust Your Drug-Dependent Child to Rehabilitation We Will Help Restore the Child You Hoped For
Says the President at the ‘Nation United’ Northern Province Programme
COLOMBO ; President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that parents in the Northern Province, who once lived in fear for their children due to the war, are today compelled to live in fear because of the growing drug menace. The President stressed that this toxic threat is spreading indiscriminately affecting every citizen, city and village, rich and poor alike, without distinction of ethnicity or community. President Dissanayake reaffirmed that the national campaign launched to eradicate the drug menace and safeguard the country’s youth will be carried forward with renewed strength and determination and underscored that this is not an initiative that will be reversed under any circumstances.
Calling on the public to fulfil their collective social responsibility, President Dissanayake urged citizens across the country to unite and act together as a strong nationwide protective shield in the fight against drugs.
The President made these remarks while addressing the Northern Province programme of the ‘Nation United’ (Ratama Ekata) National Operation to eliminate the drug menace, held this afternoon (16) at the Jaffna Technical College playground.
During the event, tokens of appreciation were also presented under the patronage of the President to members of the Tri-Forces and the Police in the Northern Province, in recognition of their active contribution to drug-related raids.
Further addressing the gathering, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the ‘Nation United’ National Operation is not merely an initiative to eliminate the drug menace, but a comprehensive national effort aimed at rehabilitating children who have fallen victim to drugs. He noted that the programme focuses on providing proper rehabilitation and vocational training, enabling them to return to their communities as productive and responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to the nation.
The President also observed that, for the first time, a credible and trustworthy government has been established one that is equally accepted by the people of both the North and the South. While highlighting this point, he stated that although extremist groups that have lost political power are attempting to reignite ethnic divisions in isolated areas, the government will not allow any form of racism or communalism to resurface in the country.
In addition, President Dissanayake stated that LKR. 5,000 million was allocated last year for rural road development in the Northern Province and that a substantial allocation has also been made for this year. He called upon the political leadership and public officials to ensure the effective and transparent utilization of these funds, so that the intended development benefits are delivered to the people without delay.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the gathering further, said that…
I have visited the Jaffna District on several occasions and have met with its people. However, today’s visit is unlike any other it is truly a special occasion. Today, we come together with a single purpose: to defeat the menace of illicit drugs that is engulfing our younger generation and undermining the very mechanism of our state.
As a nation, we have great hopes and aspirations. We aim to transform our country into a developed nation, to build a strong economy and to foster harmony, brotherhood and trust among our people. These are essential for creating a prosperous nation and ensuring a bright future for our children.
Yet, all these hopes and aspirations are threatened by a serious challenge the danger posed by poisonous drugs. No place, city, or village is spared this menace is spreading indiscriminately. It must be defeated. Our mothers and fathers raise their children with high hopes, envisioning a better future for them. Yet these dreams are being shattered by the scourge of drug abuse. This problem affects everyone, rich and poor alike, without distinction of ethnicity Tamil or Sinhalese.
The enormous wealth generated by the drug trade has infiltrated our state machinery. Even from behind bars, some continue to operate these illicit networks. While our police carry out their duties with efficiency and dedication, a few individuals have become entrenched in this trade. Weak officials within the Department of Customs, the Motor Traffic Department and the Department of Immigration and Emigration have been exploited by these networks. It is not only these departments, key positions in the public service have also been compromised, and some officials have been identified and taken into custody.
