Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj says that one in every 50 people in Sri Lanka is addicted to drugs, highlighting the growing social impact of substance abuse across the country.
The Minister made the remarks while addressing the “Ratam Ekata” National Anti-Drug March, organized by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the Bureau of Rehabilitation to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Speaking at the event, Minister Paulraj said drug addiction continues to have a devastating impact on families, affecting everyone from young children to adults.
She noted that mothers and women are often the most affected by the consequences of drug abuse, while children’s education and future prospects are also being severely disrupted.
The Minister stressed that a broad national effort involving the government, communities, families, and civil society is essential to address the growing drug menace and protect future generations.
Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that recent investigations into drug trafficking and organized crime have uncovered alleged links between criminal networks and political figures.
The Minister also revealed that attempts had been made to offer bribes amounting to millions of rupees to secure the release of suspected drug traffickers and organized criminals.
He further alleged that, in the past, certain suspects were kept in custody for extended periods under the pretext of being taken to recover hidden weapons, while state mechanisms were allegedly used to facilitate their release.
“There was such a political culture in the past,” Minister Wijepala said, adding that ongoing investigations are exposing attempts to establish a criminal network and that the government is committed to bringing all those responsible before the law.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening anti-drug operations, dismantling organized crime networks, and enhancing law enforcement efforts to combat narcotics trafficking across the country.
