Sri Lanka is already facing serious threats from illegal goods and drug trafficking via sea routes, and the situation could worsen if the proposed bridge connecting Sri Lanka and India is constructed, warned the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero, the Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter.
During a discussion with the Commander of the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the Mahanayake Thero expressed deep concern over the potential dangers of the proposed project.
Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe, who participated in religious rituals at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, met with the Mahanayake Theros of both the Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters as part of the 74th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The Mahanayake Thero noted that large quantities of illegal drugs have already been seized in the country and warned that if narcotics were to infiltrate society further, it could lead to a national catastrophe. He urged the government to hold discussions with the leaders of relevant countries and establish an effective mechanism to prevent trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Air Force Commander stated that fishing boats and trawlers are often used for drug smuggling, adding that a Sri Lankan businessman based in Korea has been linked to such activities. He revealed that drug consignments are typically transferred from ships to boats in deep sea, while smaller quantities are also smuggled by air.
He further emphasized that the Air Force, Navy, and Police Narcotics Bureau continue to carry out joint operations to combat drug trafficking.
