“We are building a country where no child becomes a victim of the drug menace”, stated the President.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered a powerful message during the Central Province launch of the “A Nation United” anti-drug campaign, emphasizing that this year will breathe life into the principle of equality before the law. He warned that when the rule of law collapses, it hands power to criminals, stifling national development and trapping citizens in poverty. This speech underscores a pivotal shift for Sri Lanka, blending anti-drug efforts with broader governance reforms.
The initiative, “A Nation United” rallies political leaders, tri-forces, police, and communities to eradicate drug networks through arrests, awareness drives, and rehabilitation programs. Key achievements include over 91,000 suspects apprehended, 1,818 held in long-term detention, and 1,566 individuals referred for rehab since its start. Notably, 62 police officers in Nuwara Eliya received commendations for their frontline efforts.
Educationally, this campaign teaches the ripple effects of drugs: they fuel street crime, breed corruption, and even infiltrate politics, eroding societal trust. By involving religious leaders, teachers, and parents, it promotes collective responsibility, showing young people that vigilance at home and school prevents addiction’s grip.
The President stressed that true equality means no one, regardless of status, escapes justice, a lesson drawn from past failures where impunity bred chaos. This principle isn’t just legal; it’s economic. A stable rule of law attracts investment, reduces crime-related costs, and empowers citizens to thrive. For students and educators, it’s a real-world civics lesson: strong institutions protect the vulnerable and pave the way for innovation.
Reflecting on recent crises like Cyclone Ditwah, which caused 4.1 billion US dollars in damage, the President highlighted funding reconstruction without new debt, a model of prudent governance. Future plans include a non-aligned foreign policy to safeguard sovereignty, a Rs. 330 billion public service salary increase for efficiency, and enhanced allowances for armed forces after 2027.
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