President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today launched an island-wide anti-drug operation under the theme “Nation United – National Drive”, declaring that the government’s comprehensive campaign will decisively defeat the narcotics menace that has gripped the country.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, with the participation of senior state officials, tri-forces personnel, students, and community representatives.
Addressing the nation, President Dissanayake described the drug trade as a “deep deceptive network” threatening the nation’s stability and destroying the younger generation.
“When a child is born, parents are filled with hope. But today, many parents are forced to watch their own children being destroyed before their very eyes,” the President said, stressing that the government’s mission is to rescue society from this crisis.
A Growing National Threat
President Dissanayake revealed that Sri Lanka intercepts between 800–900 kilograms of narcotics annually, but emphasized that these seizures represent only a small portion of what enters the country.
He warned that the trade has become a massive underground economy fueling organized crime and violence.
“This has now become a major criminal enterprise. The recent shootings we’ve seen across the country are all tied to this drug network,” he said.
The President also disclosed that organized crime groups have infiltrated state institutions, revealing that dozens of military firearms have been stolen and sold to criminal gangs.
“Reports show that 73 T-56 rifles went missing from army camps. Some police officers have sold their own weapons. This shows that organized groups, empowered by money, have managed to penetrate the state machinery. We can no longer ignore this,” he asserted.
Exposing the “Black State”
Highlighting the broader impact of corruption, President Dissanayake warned that a “black state” — a parallel network of power built through crime and corruption — has emerged within government institutions.
“Some immigration officers have issued passports to underworld leaders. The underworld has built a parallel system of power. There cannot be two states in one country — only one, established by the people’s democratic will,” he declared.
The President cautioned that drug-linked criminal groups are now attempting to infiltrate politics, with some individuals contesting elections and holding public office.
Strong Measures and National Unity
President Dissanayake vowed to take firm action against officials found complicit in drug-related activities, noting that a record number of police officers have already been suspended for misconduct.
He announced the establishment of a National Operations Center bringing together Customs, Immigration, the Motor Traffic Department, Armed Forces, Intelligence Services, and the Police to prevent traffickers from escaping justice.
“This is not their country anymore,” the President stated, urging religious leaders and media institutions to play an active role in public awareness campaigns.
The government also plans to strengthen rehabilitation programs for drug users, focusing on youth and students.
“To rescue our youth, we must build a culture based on sports, music, and creativity. Rehabilitation is a social responsibility,” he said.
A Nationwide Effort
The government emphasized that the new anti-drug operation will involve broad public participation alongside state institutions.
A multi-tiered structure — including District and Regional Steering Committees and Public Safety Committees — will coordinate efforts at local levels. The central body, the “A Nation United” National Steering Council, chaired by President Dissanayake and comprising 23 organizations from diverse sectors, will oversee the overall mission.
The initiative aims to eradicate narcotics and drug trafficking that endanger the lives of youth and schoolchildren, with schools, universities, the police, tri-forces, divisional secretariats, and local government bodies joining the campaign starting today.
Concluding his address, President Dissanayake called for national unity:
“This battle cannot be won by the government alone. Everyone must unite. Together, we will destroy this deceptive storm and free our nation from its grip.”
