President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that equal attention must be given to both the arrest of drug addicts and the rehabilitation of those struggling with addiction.
He made these remarks yesterday (25) at the Presidential Secretariat during the second meeting of the ‘Ratam Ekata’ National Steering Committee, established to eliminate the menace of drug addiction.
The President noted that society holds diverse—and sometimes conflicting—views on how drug rehabilitation should be carried out. He said a new, broadly acceptable program must be developed by gathering all these perspectives. Based on this collective input, he stressed the need for a scientific, coordinated methodology that brings together all relevant institutions, including government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of strengthening trained human resources for rehabilitation services.
New Legal Framework for Drug Disposal
President Dissanayake instructed the Ministry of Justice to prepare a new draft law by next March to allow seized toxic drugs to be destroyed at any time. He noted that preliminary work has already begun and directed officials to expedite the process.
The proposed laws would allow a Magistrate to be summoned to the location where the drugs were seized to conduct necessary inquiries, enable an analyst to take required samples, and permit the immediate destruction of the remaining stock.
The President further instructed authorities to fast-track the recruitment of analysts—both permanent and temporary—to fill existing vacancies in the Government Analyst’s Department.
Nationwide Awareness Campaign
A public awareness initiative under the ‘Get Out – Nation Together’ program to eradicate drug abuse is scheduled for December 6 and 7, involving all district and divisional secretariats.
The President also directed officials to implement measures ensuring that all government institutions remain free of toxic drugs and that the relevant authorities are empowered to issue certifications confirming compliance.
Attendance
The meeting was attended by Hindu, Catholic, and Islamic religious leaders; Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Nayaka Thero; Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala; and several senior officials, including Ministry Secretaries, Acting Inspector General of Police Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, members of the National Steering Committee, artist Sangeeth Wijesuriya, and representatives of civil society organizations. (PMD)
