Relentless Fight Until Drugs Are Wiped Out of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala has declared that Sri Lanka's battle against narcotics will continue unabated until the drug menace is completely eradicated, calling on the entire nation to unite behind what he described as a national mission to protect future generations.

The strong message came as a special anti-drug awareness walk commenced from Galle Face Green on Thursday (5) morning to mark one year of the "Ratama Ekata" national initiative, a campaign aimed at mobilizing communities against drug abuse and trafficking.

Led by Minister Wijepala, participants marched towards Kollupitiya while engaging the public and spreading awareness on the social and economic damage caused by narcotics.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said the government has intensified measures targeting drug traffickers and the networks that fuel narcotics distribution across the country. At the same time, he noted that extensive prevention and awareness programmes have been launched to stop children, youth and citizens from falling victim to drug addiction.

Wijepala emphasized that the campaign goes beyond law enforcement, describing it as a nationwide effort involving the entire society. He said the initiative has been driven under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake through a national council mechanism designed to ensure coordinated action among all stakeholders.

According to the minister, the government's objective is not only to dismantle drug trafficking operations but also to free the country from the grip of narcotics and safeguard future generations from a growing social scourge.

He urged citizens to remain committed to the cause, stressing that collective action is essential to defeat organized drug networks. The minister also claimed that pressure and opposition have emerged as authorities move against the financial interests of narcotics traffickers, but insisted that the government remains firmly committed to its anti-drug agenda.

Rejecting claims that the campaign could be used to curb democratic freedoms, Wijepala said the government has no intention of introducing repressive laws or measures that would undermine freedom of expression or democratic rights. Instead, he maintained that the fight against drugs would be carried out within the framework of democracy and the rule of law.

Calling the drug crisis one of the country's most serious challenges, the minister appealed to the public to stand alongside the government in a determined effort to protect Sri Lanka's children, grandchildren and future generations from the devastating consequences of narcotics abuse.