Attention was directed towards imposing the death penalty for drug-related crimes during the meeting of the ‘Ratamath Ekata’ (Nation Together) National Operational Council, chaired yesterday (10) by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Discussions focused on implementing the death penalty for drug offenses in light of the fact that the illicit drug menace has gone beyond mere individual interactions, posing a severe and growing threat to the entire economic and social framework of the country.

The council emphasized that the criminal environment built around the immense wealth generated from drug trafficking now poses a significant threat to the national economy, the tourism industry, and the social moral code. The necessity of enforcing strict laws to create a society that fears drug trafficking and crime was heavily discussed.

Pointing out the need for practical execution and a swift ideological shift in the country to eradicate the drug disaster that is shattering the entire social fabric and preying on the nation's future generation, the President stated that the government expects the active participation of religious leaders, parents, and community organizations. Comprehensive discussions were also held on the institutional transformations required upon understanding the depth of this national crisis.

Amendments to laws regarding drug control and bail procedures are currently in their final stages of preparation. It was stated that these will be gazetted and presented to Parliament expeditiously. Furthermore, the process of issuing Government Analyst reports—which had previously caused delays in drug cases—has been significantly accelerated, with 6,414 analyst reports issued in July alone.

To expedite legal proceedings for individuals remanded due to delays in analyst reports, the President instructed authorities to present precise data classification based on the quantity of drugs seized (e.g., under 5 grams, under 10 grams, etc.). He also directed the establishment of smooth coordination among the Government Analyst's Department, the Police, and the Prison Department to create a streamlined process to produce suspects before the court as soon as reports are received.

The President inquired about steps taken to enhance the capacity and facilities of the Government Analyst's Department, where it was noted that assistance from the Navy is being obtained for retrieving analyst reports. He also instructed that funds be allocated to install security camera systems.

Additionally, the President instructed officials to expedite the submission of the draft amendment to the Rehabilitation Act No. 54 of 2007 to Parliament, and to clear backlogs in the Legal Draftsman’s Department by hiring experienced retired officers on a contract basis.

The progress of the ‘Mithuru Pasala’ (Friendly School) program—jointly implemented by the Ministries of Education and Health to prevent drug proliferation in the school system—was also reviewed. It was noted that special attention is being given to student personality development, alongside training teachers, principals, and counselors to identify and guide children using drugs.

The President directed that special programs be conducted with a keen focus on schools in high-risk and high-density areas. The National Council also paid special attention to revelations that the trend of drug usage among students in international schools has increased.

Discussions covered the availability of drug test kits at pharmacies, allowing parents to test their children privately, while highlighting the importance of parents remaining vigilant over their children. Attention was also drawn to groups promoting drugs via the internet and social media, alongside discussions on using social media constructively to build anti-drug awareness in society.

A collective review of drug prevention efforts was conducted with the participation of:

  • Ministry of Health and Mass Media

  • Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education

  • Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

  • National Dangerous Drugs Control Board

  • Rehabilitation Bureau

  • Sri Lanka Police

  • Tri-Forces

  • Department of Community Based Corrections

  • Department of Prisons

  • Department of Probation and Child Care Services

  • National Child Protection Authority

  • Department of Social Services

  • ‘Prajashakthi’ Program

Progress was also reviewed regarding multi-sectoral national strategic programs operating under six revised strategies: Early Identification, Rehabilitation, Legal Amendments & Institutional Changes, Relapse Prevention & Follow-up, Plan Regulation & Review, and Reporting.

Notable Attendees:

  • Religious Leaders: Most Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thero (Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter), Most Ven. Waleboda Gunasiri Thero (Anunayake of the Ramanya Maha Nikaya), Ven. Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Thero, Rev. Fr. Jude Bernard, Sri Velu Suresh Sharma Kurukkal, Muthusamai Alagesan Kurukkal, and Sheikh Mohamed Arkam Nooramith Maulavi.

  • Ministers and Officials: Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ayesha Jinasena, along with other Ministry Secretaries, Inspector General of Police (Attorney-at-Law) Priyantha Weerasooriya, and senior defense officials.