|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 3 July 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Minister calls for action against 'high society drug traffickers' by Sarath Malalasekera Law enforcing officers and other agencies controlling the drug menace in the country should take strong action against the high society involved in drug trafficking, said Minister of Public Security, Law and Order and Deputy Defence Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake. Speaking at the National Drugs Control Awards ceremony at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute recently, he said the recent detections by the Police Narcotics Bureau is a clear indication of the several high society people involved in hard drug trafficking in Sri Lanka. "These high society people become rich overnight by unlawfully importing hard drugs to this country. These rich men spend lavishly and move about in luxury vehicles placing innocent youth in the country into severe problems. Our main aim should be to eradicate this hard drug menance from the country," the Minister said. Foreigners introduced the liquor and drug menace into the country to destroy and damage the Sri Lankan culture. Fortunately, it has not spread to the village. "Our prime duty is to protect village youth and stop the hard drug menace spreading into villages," the Minister added. Wickremanayake emphasised that the authorities should take stern action to protect children without allowing them to get used to drugs. "Parents should have a close relationship with their children and allow them to get closer to the temple. The authorities should also educate the public to keep away from drugs," the Minister said. "Everyone should examine and take into account the dangers of drug abuse and plan programs to eradicate the hard drug menace," Wickremanayake said. National Dangerous Drug Control Board Chairman Dr. Sajeeva Ranaweera and Ministry of Public Law and Order Secretary Tilak Ranaviraja also spoke. Additional Secretary Chandra Ekanayake also participated. A Saraswathi Pooja dance was performed by the National Youth Council dancing troupe. National Dangerous Drug Control Board, Deputy Director (Preventive Education and Training) K. Gamage delivered the vote of thanks. The award winners are -Best School Project, St. Xavier Maha Vidyalaya, Ja-Ela and President's College, Ambalangoda. Best NGO (Prevention) Ekabadda Mathdravya Nivarana Sangamaya, Kurunegala. Best NGO (Treatment Services) Mithuru Mithuru, Pelmadulla. Best Treatment Program (Government Sector) Department of Social Services. Best Enforcement Team of the Customs Department- Custom Narcotics Unit. Best Enforcement Team of the Department of Excise-Excise Narcotics Unit. Best Prisoner Diversion Scheme-Boosa Prison. Best Local Government Institute- Moratuwa Municipal Council. Best Workplace- Government Sector, Sri Lanka Ports Authority- Private Sector, Arapolakanda Estate. Best Police Unit (Prevention) Police Public Relations Division. Best Police Unit (Enforcement) Police Narcotics Unit. Best Police Station (Heroin and Cannabis detection)-Heroin Detections, Mount Lavinia Police Station and Mulleriyawa Police Station. Cannabis detections - Tanamalvila Police Station. Best Air Force camp/Unit, Sri Lanka Air Force Camp, Weeravila and Best Army Camp, Psychological Operations Unit. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
