President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday launched a sweeping national campaign against drug trafficking and organised crime, declaring that Sri Lanka must ‘dismantle the black State that has taken root within the official State.’
He said the narcotics trade has corrupted State institutions, destroyed families, and crippled the economy, and warned that the coming months would mark a decisive battle against a menace that has ruined the entire social fabric.
Speaking at the launch of the national operation ‘A Nation United: Eradicating the Menace of Narcotic Drugs’ at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, the President said the country had reached a defining moment.
‘We are gathered here today with the purpose of defeating the deceptive menace that has engulfed our country,’ he said. ‘We know how deep-rooted and destructive this scourge is. Our children, our wider society, and we as a nation have become victims of this dangerous threat.’
He said the problem had been building for decades.
‘This is not a challenge that emerged overnight. It has gradually developed over decades and has now ruined the entire social fabric,’ he said, adding that the Government has chosen to ‘rise up against it’ rather than watch the destruction unfold.
Disanayake said the human toll of addiction was devastating. ‘64% of those imprisoned in our country have been arrested for drug-related offences,’ he said. ‘The age group most affected, between 18 and 24, is being dragged into ruin.’
He said every young addict represented a family in pain and a community in decline. ‘When a husband falls victim to addiction, it represents the most profound tragedy that a family can encounter,’ he said. ‘The fabric of family disintegrates.’
He said the consequences were visible across society. ‘A large share of road accidents today in our country is linked to drug abuse. The majority of child and women abuse cases occur because the perpetrators are addicted to drugs.’
The President also drew attention to the economic costs of the drug epidemic.
‘The Special Task Force has had to be deployed to protect the Katunayake-Colombo Expressway because electrical cables are being cut and stolen. Batteries from the elephant fences are being removed. Iron frames from bridges and culverts are being vandalised and carried away.’ He said these crimes reflected how drug addiction had triggered widespread lawlessness and destabilised communities.
‘For social stability and peace, and for the protection and well-being of every child, every woman, and every citizen, this menace must be defeated,’ he said. ‘We are determined that the action we are taking will lead us to victory.’
The President said the narcotics trade was fuelled by enormous profits that had allowed it to penetrate the State itself.
‘Vast sums of money circulate within this illegal trade,’ he said. ‘Immense wealth has been accumulated through this trade, which has become a massive black-market enterprise.’
He revealed how drug money had infiltrated law enforcement and security institutions.
’73 T-56 assault rifles from a certain military camp were transferred into the hands of these groups,’ he said. ‘They have also been supplied with ammunition. Payments have been made into bank accounts for these transactions. A Police officer even sold his service weapon and fled.’
He said these acts exposed the existence of a ‘black State’ functioning beneath the legitimate one. ‘Financial power has infiltrated and swallowed up the institutions of the State,’ he said. ‘A black State has formed within the legitimate institutions built to ensure national and public security.’
Disanayake said the rot extended to State departments. ‘The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has issued number plates for vehicles that do not exist. Certain officials at Immigration have provided two or three passports to underworld leaders. Corrupt links within Customs have also been exposed.’
‘This country cannot have two States,’ he said. ‘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 said political protection had enabled this system to thrive.
‘This issue has now infiltrated political parties. Some individuals have become councillors and chairpersons, while others are preparing to contest elections. This network grew under the protection of certain politicians.’
He said the seeds for political influence and control had been planted long ago, ‘with the blessing and involvement of certain politicians and public officials.’
The President said fear and violence now hold people hostage. ‘Those who attempt to leave are often shot and killed,’ he said. ‘Behind this lies political backing as well as the support of certain State officials.’
He said many citizens believed that if this Government failed to act, no one else would. ‘This has now become the desperate plea of mothers across the country,’ he said.
The President issued a clear warning to officials complicit in the drug trade. ‘We have instructed officials to withdraw from these networks. Safeguard your employment, dignity, and the value of your position. Otherwise, we will take action to remove you,’ he said.
He called on addicts to come forward for rehabilitation, assuring that the State was ready to help. ‘We are ready to support your recovery,’ he said. ‘Rehabilitation centres have already been established. Parents must bring their children forward-we will help them recover and return them as responsible citizens.’
He said the upcoming Budget would allocate significant funds to strengthen rehabilitation programs and improve facilities. ‘A significant allocation has been made in the upcoming Budget to strengthen these efforts and improve facilities,’ he said. ‘No one struggling with addiction should fear seeking help.’
The President also announced the establishment of a National Operations Centre, bringing together the Police, Armed Forces, Customs, Immigration, Motor Traffic, and intelligence agencies into one coordinated command. ‘With this system in place, no one will be able to remain hidden any longer. We already know who they are and where they operate,’ he said.
He called for religious and community involvement in the campaign. ‘The connection between the village and religious institutions must be utilised as a key weapon in combatting this menace,’ he said, adding that the media also had a responsibility to report responsibly and shape public understanding.
He noted that the success of the campaign depended on political will. ‘The most important responsibility in freeing the country from this menace lies with the political authority,’ he said. ‘Within our political system, no undue or imposed authority will be created. Instead of attracting power, we neutralise it.’
He defended the Police and said their previous failures were not due to incompetence but political interference. ‘Behind every unresolved crime in our country, there has been political protection-not a lack of skill or competence,’ he said.
Disanayake said the Police and armed forces were taking personal risks to lead this mission. ‘Police officers have become direct targets of criminals,’ he said. ‘From the voices raised against them, we can clearly understand who is truly behind this menace.’
He said citizens must join in isolating drug traffickers and reclaiming their communities. ‘The public must actively engage in this effort. The sellers and wholesale traders are known. What is needed is a strong, united public voice against them.’
He said public safety committees, religious leaders, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and local organisations would play key roles in sustaining the operation. ‘We are mobilising a widespread public voice, from the top levels down to local communities,’ he said.
The President said Sri Lanka’s fight against drugs would require unity and persistence.
‘We are implementing this initiative through a multifaceted approach-arrests, rehabilitation, prevention, public awareness, sports, and cultural activities must all work together in unison,’ he said. ‘No matter how determined an individual may be, tackling this menace alone is impossible. Let us unite and act decisively.’