President AKD Launches National Operation ‘A Nation United’ to Eradicate the Menace of Narcotic Drugs

Colombo, October 30 – Marking a decisive step in Sri Lanka’s fight against narcotics, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today launched the national operation “A Nation United: Eradicating the Menace of Narcotic Drugs” at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo. The initiative aims to mobilize the broadest possible public movement to eliminate the drug threat and free future generations from its grip.

Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the narcotics trade, which he described as a “national scourge destroying the country’s economy, social fabric and youth.” He declared that his administration would not allow the trade to continue, stressing that the national operation has been activated as a comprehensive, multi-sectoral programme integrating law enforcement, rehabilitation, prevention, public awareness, religion, sports and culture.

Ending Political Protection for Criminal Networks

The President underscored that the drug trade did not arise naturally but was nurtured for decades under political protection and through corrupt state networks. He vowed that this era had come to an end under the current administration.

“The environment in which criminals thrived under political shelter is over. I am instructing all state officials who support these networks to immediately sever ties and withdraw. No one involved in this trafficking will be allowed to remain hidden any longer,” he asserted.

He also exposed the deep infiltration of criminal influence into state institutions, revealing cases where firearms and official documents had been illicitly supplied to criminal groups. The President declared that Sri Lanka could not tolerate the existence of a “black state” operating beneath legitimate governance structures, vowing to dismantle it completely.

A Call for a United National Effort

President Dissanayake made a nationwide appeal for unity across communities, religions and professions to defeat this crisis. Inviting religious leaders to take the lead in community-based interventions, he emphasized the powerful cultural and moral bond between villages and places of worship.

He also called upon the media to exercise restraint and responsibility when reporting on drug-related issues, to avoid sensationalism and to help advance social awareness and rehabilitation.

“Let us rise as one nation to defeat this deceptive menace that has engulfed our country. The destruction of our children and youth must end here. We are determined to win this battle together,” he declared.

Rehabilitation and Prevention as Core Priorities

The President announced that the upcoming national budget will include increased allocations for rehabilitation facilities and community programmes. A National Operations Centre will soon be established to coordinate the efforts of all relevant agencies, including the Police, Armed Forces, Customs, and the Departments of Immigration and Motor Traffic, creating a unified enforcement network.

Acknowledging the social and economic factors driving addiction, the President emphasized that those addicted to drugs should not be stigmatized but supported through rehabilitation. He urged parents to bring their children forward for treatment, assuring that the state would help them recover and reintegrate as responsible citizens.

“This is not the fault of our youth. The lack of recreational and cultural engagement has pushed many toward addiction. We must rebuild a culture of sports, music and community life,” he said, announcing plans for a comprehensive cultural and sports revitalization programme.

Mobilizing Society Against the Drug Menace

Highlighting that 64% of the prison population has been incarcerated for drug-related offences, President Dissanayake warned that the country’s future depends on eradicating this threat. He called on citizens to form a strong, collective voice against traffickers operating within communities.

“These networks are no secret. The dealers and traders are known. What is needed is courage, solidarity, and the moral strength of the people. Every village, every neighborhood must unite to isolate these criminals.”

Public Safety Committees have already been established at the local level to strengthen community participation in the national operation. The President affirmed that arrests, rehabilitation, prevention, sports, and cultural activities would work in tandem under one national framework.

Restoring Integrity to the State

The President openly condemned the long-standing corruption that enabled the drug trade to flourish within state institutions, from Customs to law enforcement. He highlighted instances of illegally issued passports, vehicle registrations, and weapon transfers, all of which reflected systemic decay.

“This country cannot have two states. There can only be one State — the legitimate State built by the democratic power of the people. The black state must be dismantled and brought to an end,” he declared.

He further emphasized that no political or administrative figure would be shielded if found complicit. Officials were instructed to withdraw from criminal associations immediately, or face removal and prosecution.

A National Mission for Liberation

The President concluded his address with a resounding call for collective action:

“If we allow a small group of criminals to destroy our children and society, then we must question who we are as a people. Let it be known — this country does not belong to them. Together, we will protect our children, restore our society, and free our nation from this destructive force.”

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha, led by the Most Venerable Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, as well as Catholic, Hindu and Islamic clergy, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Cabinet Ministers and MPs, Governors, foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, senior government officials, Heads of the Security Forces, and representatives from academia, arts, sports and education.

Summary

With the launch of “A Nation United”, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has placed the fight against narcotics at the forefront of national policy, transforming it from a law enforcement issue into a whole-of-nation movement. Through coordination, transparency, and collective moral resolve, the government aims to liberate Sri Lanka from the grip of drugs and rebuild the moral and social foundation of the nation.