Civil society must unite to eradicate drug menace - Public Security Minister

Drug addiction and trafficking in the country became more acute and widespread following the introduction of the open economic policies. It has today become one of the gravest threats facing the nation with drug addiction which was confined to the urban areas earlier being spread to the villages as well. It is the duty of every segment of the civil society, particularly the parents to be vigilant and ensure that the younger generation do not fall prey to the temptation of drug addiction, said the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Public Security, Law and Order and Deputy Minister of defence, Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka.

Minister Wickramanayake was speaking at a meeting held at the Welisara Playground soon after the inauguration of a series of programmes and activities held in connection with the launch of the Drug Abuse Prevention Week from June 26 to July 2. A large number of schoolchildren and teachers from schools in the area, members of the clergy, members of civil society organisations and non governmental organisations participated in the events organised jointly by the Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order, the Police Anti Narcotics Bureau, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the International Federation of NGOs for Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse. Anti Drugs Exhibition, Art Competitions, demonstrations, walks to educate the people on the evils of drug abuse were among the features of the events.

The Minister ferther said that strict enforcement of laws alone would not help in eradicating drug abuse without inculcating discipline in the human mind so as to make them law abiding citizens respecting human values and dignity.

Further the police or other law enforcement agencies only cannot tackle the drug trafficking problem without the co-operation of the public.

It is the duty of civic minded citizens to inform the law enforcement authorities of instances of drug abuse whenever they get to know of such happenings.

"We cannot allow the drug traffickers and drug barons who have become a cancer to our society to destroy the future generation of the country. It is regrettable to note that Sri Lanka has become one of the main transit points for international drug trafficking. We will launch a relentless campaign against these drug dealers", said the Minister.