Launch of national anti-narcotics drive

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday warned police and military officers involved in narcotics deals to leave the service immediately. No such rogue elements would be spared, he said.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo to mark the launch of a countrywide anti-drug operation, under the theme ‘Nation United – National Drive’ yesterday morning, President Dissanayake said that despite the dedication of many in the police and military, a “black state” — a network of corruption and crime — was emerging because of the actions of a few:

“Some immigration officers have issued passports to underworld leaders. Because of such actions, the state has become vulnerable to decay. Though not as strong as the official state, the underworld has built a parallel system of power. This black structure must be destroyed. There cannot be two states in one country — only one state can exist, one established by the democratic will of the people.”

President Dissanayake warned that the criminal network was attempting to infiltrate politics:

“These forces are now entering political parties — becoming candidates, chairmen, and even contesting elections. What began as an effort to protect political power has turned into an effort to dominate it. This has spread into the very roots of governance, aided for years by political blessings.”

President Dissanayake stated that some senior state officials have also been involved in these criminal operations, but vowed that decisive action would be taken:

“There is a strong public expectation that we will end this. Some police officers may have been complicit, but the current IGP and senior officers are working tirelessly to eradicate this menace. This is a time when the highest number of officers in police history have been suspended for misconduct.”

The President called on all state officials involved in such networks to immediately step away, warning that no one would be shielded.

The drug menace must be defeated to ensure social stability in the country and that the steps taken by himself and the government in this regard will undoubtedly lead to victory, he said.

President Dissanayake said that narcotics have turned into a deep deceptive trade that has gripped the nation and that he is taking action to defeat it. The President further noted that children, the general public and the entire country are becoming victims of this deceptive trade.

Meanwhile, the President pointed out that the younger generation has become the biggest victim of the drug crisis and that the destructive storm is now spreading from village to village across the country.

“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. Mothers suffer deeply and become isolated from society,” said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the nation during the launch of the program — a new government initiative to eradicate the drug crisis.

The President revealed alarming details about the scale of the drug trade: “Each year, we intercept around 800–900 kilograms of narcotics. But we must realize that this is only a fraction of what actually enters the country. If we were seizing everything, more wouldn’t be coming in. What we seize is small compared to what circulates freely. This trade moves vast sums of money, creating a massive black economy. It has now become a major criminal enterprise, with internal conflicts among groups fighting over control of the market. The recent shootings we’ve seen across the country are all tied to this drug network.”

The President went on to explain how organized crime has infiltrated state institutions, including the military and police:

“Some of the firearms used by these groups come from our own state weapon stockpiles. Reports show that 73 T-56 rifles went missing from army camps — 35 have been recovered, but 38 are still in criminal hands. Even a senior army colonel has been found supplying ammunition in exchange for money. Some police officers have sold their own weapons and fled. These are state-owned firearms. The question is: how did they end up with armed gangs? This shows that organized groups, empowered by financial might, have managed to penetrate the state machinery. We cannot continue to ignore or hide this situation any longer.”

The President also outlined plans to rehabilitate those addicted to drugs, especially among youth and students:

“To rescue the youth who have fallen into drug use, we need to build a culture based on sports, music, and creativity. Rehabilitation is our responsibility as a society. Voluntary rehabilitation centers have already been established and I urge parents to bring their children there.”

 He also announced the creation of a National Operations Center uniting Customs, Immigration, the Motor Traffic Department, the Armed Forces, Intelligence Services, and the Police — ensuring that no one involved in drug trafficking can flee the country.

“This is not their country anymore,” he said firmly, adding that religious leaders and the media would play a vital role in guiding and informing society:

“The media bears the responsibility of communicating this message to the public with integrity. Media organizations have already expressed support for this mission.”

Finally, the President noted that many criminal investigations in Sri Lanka have been hindered by political protection:

“Behind almost every unsolved crime lies political interference — not police inefficiency. But that political power is now over. The police are working bravely despite risks. Some criminals are even operating from inside prisons. Yet our officers continue this mission despite threats.”

Concluding his address, the President called for national unity in the fight against drugs:

“It’s time for all of us to come together — as one nation. This battle cannot be won by individuals, the government alone, or even the police. Everyone must unite. Those dealing in drugs must immediately step away. Together, we will build the strongest movement against this deceptive storm. We will destroy it and free our children, our society, and our nation from its grip.”