‘A Nation United ‘ National Operation launched, Dangerous drugs will be wiped out – President
Highlighting the mobilisation of the broadest possible public movement against harmful drugs, with a strong commitment to completely eliminate this threat from the nation and liberate both future generations and society from its influence, the President also urged drug dealers and users to disengage from it without delay.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks while attending the launch of the national operation ‘A Nation United: Eradicating the Menace of Narcotic Drugs’ held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo yesterday (30).
The President stressed that his Government is not prepared to allow the narcotics trade, which has become a national scourge destroying the country’s economy and society while claiming the lives of schoolchildren and the youth, to continue any further.
He added that ‘A Nation United’ national operation has now been activated as a multi-sector programme incorporating enforcement, rehabilitation, prevention, public awareness, religion, sports and culture.
Pointing out that the drug trade is not something that emerged naturally, but has long been fostered with the support of politicians and certain State officials, the President said that the present Government has now ended the environment in which criminals could build influence under political protection. Therefore, the President stated that he is instructing State officials, who assist these networks to sever all ties and withdraw from them. President Dissanayake emphasised that no one involved in this trafficking will be allowed to remain hidden any longer.
The President also invited religious leaders to take the lead in overcoming this crisis by making use of the cultural bond between villages and places of worship. The President urged media institutions to report on matters relating to drug trafficking responsibly and sensibly, maintaining restraint and social decorum, in order to support the success of this initiative.
Furthermore, the President stated that a larger allocation would be set aside in the upcoming budget for the rehabilitation of those addicted to drugs and that a National Operations Centre would be established with the involvement of all relevant parties.
The spread of dangerous drugs in the country has reached the level of a national catastrophe and it has been observed that numerous crimes are linked to drug trafficking. The Government has recognised that the menace must be uprooted through an efficient decision-making mechanism and a nationwide programme with broad public participation. Accordingly, ‘A Nation United’ national operation has been launched to accomplish this national objective.
Under this programme, it is expected to raise social awareness of the threat through a broad campaign, dismantle the networks linked to drug trafficking, strengthen rehabilitation opportunities and offer opportunities for individuals seeking to overcome drug dependence.
Expressing his views President Dissanayake further stated;”We are gathered here today with the purpose of defeating the deceptive menace that has engulfed our country. We know how deep-rooted and destructive this scourge is. Our children, our wider society and we as a nation have become victims of this dangerous threat. This is not a challenge that emerged overnight. It has gradually developed over decades and has now ruined the entire social fabric. At this junction, we clearly have two paths before us. One is to let things continue as they are and merely watch the destruction unfold. The other is to rise up against it. I, along with our Government, have chosen to take a stand and fight back.
“This menace is destroying our children. Sixty-four per cent of those imprisoned in our country have been arrested for drug-related offences. It is destroying the entire future of our youth. The age group most affected, the young generation between 18 and 24, is being dragged into ruin, with their hopes and futures shattered. Consequently, we cannot afford to remain passive observers. Each of those young individuals has parents, a mother and father who held high hopes for their child from the day of their birth. Yet now, they are forced to witness, powerless, as their children are ravaged right before them. They endure pain. They face stigma. The fabric of family disintegrates. When a husband falls victim to addiction, it represents the most profound tragedy that a family can encounter.
“As a result, the entire family structure is under threat of disintegration. Meanwhile, this destructive whirlwind is sweeping through villages across the country. A criminal underworld is expanding within communities and society as a whole is being undermined. A large share of road accidents today in our country is linked to drug abuse. The majority of child and women abuse cases occur because the perpetrators are addicted to drugs.
The economy of the country has also been severely destabilised. The Special Task Force has had to be deployed to protect the Katunayake-Colombo Expressway, because electrical cables are being cut and stolen. Batteries from the elephant fences are being removed. Iron frames from bridges and culverts are being vandalised and carried away.
This tragedy has created instability across the whole of society. Therefore, for social stability and peace and for the protection and well-being of every child, every woman and every citizen, this menace must be defeated. We are determined that the action we are taking will lead us to victory and finally overcome this scourge.
Vast sums of money circulate within this illegal trade. Drugs are being sold for huge profits. The amounts seized alone demonstrate the enormous scale of the supply network. Immense wealth has been accumulated through this trade, which has become a massive black-market enterprise. Rivalries are emerging as these groups fight for control of the market. Recent shootings have been identified as clashes between such competing factions.
“Our Police Department is fully committed to addressing this issue. We are preparing the police force accordingly. We have also instructed other officials to immediately withdraw from these networks. Safeguard your employment, dignity and the value of your position step away from these activities without delay. Otherwise, we will take action to remove you. This scenario has even extended to roles that ought to uphold the rule of law. I would like to remind all parties concerned that none of you are concealed any longer; we are aware of everything. Please keep this in mind. The truth is now evident before us, and thus, I urge you once more to withdraw without delay.
“At the same time, we urge those who have become addicted to drugs to immediately stop using them. We are ready to support your recovery. If addressed individually, none of our children should have to bear responsibility for this situation. Many who have fallen into addiction believe that, in the absence of economic stability, music, sports or any other form of enjoyment, intoxication is their only source of relief. This is not their fault. The truth is, today we lack a strong sports culture something that existed in our country decades ago.In the past, children in our villages played together. Today, although sports still exist, the general public is no longer culturally connected to them. Therefore, blaming the youth serves no purpose. Instead, we must create a new sports culture and provide opportunities for recreation, music, literature and community engagement. We intend to launch a comprehensive programme to achieve this.
“At the same time, it is our responsibility to rehabilitate those who have become addicted. Rehabilitation centres have already been established for this purpose. We urge parents to bring their children forward and entrust them to us we will help them recover from addiction and return them to you as responsible citizens. A significant allocation has been made in the upcoming budget to strengthen these efforts and improve facilities. Therefore, no one struggling with addiction should fear seeking help,”the President said.
The event was attended by the Maha Sangha led by the Most Venerable Anunayake Theras of Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, Christian, Hindu and Islamic clergy, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Ministers and MPs, Governors, foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, senior Government officials, including the Secretary to the President, Ministry Secretaries and District Secretaries, Heads of Security Forces as well as scholars, artistes, athletes and school students.