Minister Harshana Nanayakkara declared that the government’s nationwide anti-drug campaign will not be another short-lived publicity stunt, but a sustained mission to eliminate drug trafficking and addiction that has crippled Sri Lanka’s economy and society.
Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, made these remarks while chairing the Moratuwa Public Safety Committee meeting at the Moratuwa Divisional Secretariat Auditorium. The meeting was held under the National Drug Prevention Program, which aims to wipe out the drug menace from every division in the country.
Nanayakkara addressed state officials, police officers, local councilors, and religious leaders, emphasizing that this initiative was different from the many past campaigns that started with fanfare and ended in silence. “Government employees may think this is another show like before. But this program will not stop after a few months. It is not like Operation Justice,” he said firmly.
He explained that both drug users and traffickers must be treated differently under the law, addicts as victims who need rehabilitation, and traffickers as criminals who must be prosecuted. He stressed the importance of public cooperation, noting that fear of drug lords prevents citizens from providing information. “This fight cannot succeed without the support of the people and religious leaders,” he added.
The Minister revealed that the government has already established voluntary rehabilitation centers across the country. He urged parents to take personal responsibility for monitoring their children’s behavior and warned that prevention must start at home.
He stated that the country’s economy continues to suffer due to the deep-rooted drug problem and political interference that once shielded major traffickers. “It was not possible to eradicate drugs before because of political influence. Now, even police officers involved in such activities are being removed,” he said.
Nanayakkara assured that the program would continue until the drug network in Moratuwa is fully dismantled within four years. “This effort will not end until we restore public trust in the police and eliminate trafficking. The people must believe that the law protects them, not the criminals.”
The meeting also discussed joint efforts between the police, Public Safety Committees, and community groups to sustain operations and improve rehabilitation efforts. Participants were invited to share ideas and observations on ongoing police raids and preventive actions.
Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, Moratuwa Mayor Nishantha Pradinando, Divisional Secretary Saman Prasanna Kiriwatthuduwa, senior police officials including DIG Samantha Wijesekera, and representatives of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board attended the session.
