Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has asserted that Sri Lanka’s illicit narcotics trade has remained unchallenged in the past due to political protection provided to those involved in drug trafficking. Speaking at a National People’s Power (NPP) public rally in Kolonnawa ahead of the upcoming local government election, Amarasuriya highlighted the deep-rooted nature of the issue in the region.
“Kolonnawa has become synonymous with the illicit narcotics trade. How did it become so deeply entrenched? It is because politicians allowed it to happen. Those involved in drug trafficking were thoroughly protected,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Amarasuriya further revealed that details of the political protection that enabled the narcotics trade to flourish are now being exposed.
“We were elected to address the country’s long-standing issues. However, we will not rush to provide solutions,” she added, stressing the importance of addressing these challenges with careful consideration and diligence.
