by Melani Manel Perera

The President of Sri Lanka launches the national campaign “A Nation United” in Colombo against drug dealing, consumption and crime. He denounced the presence of a “shadow state” infiltrating institutions. Substantial funds for rehabilitation and prevention were announced, as well as the creation of a National Operations Centre. The involvement of religious and civil communities is hoped for.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - President Dissanayake yesterday launched a vast national campaign called “A Nation United” against drug trafficking and organised crime, declaring that Sri Lanka must “dismantle the shadow state that has taken root within the official state”.

At the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo, Dissanayake announced that the next budget will allocate substantial funds for rehabilitation and prevention. He pointed out that 64% of prisoners are in jail for drug-related offences and that young people are the most affected.

The president added that drug trafficking has corrupted state institutions, destroyed families and paralysed the economy, and warned that the coming months will mark a decisive battle against a threat that has ruined the entire social fabric. Speaking at the launch of the national campaign, he said the country is at a turning point.

‘We are gathered here today with the aim of defeating the insidious threat that has engulfed our country,’ he said. ‘We know how deep-rooted and destructive this scourge is. Our children, our society at large and we as a nation have become victims of this dangerous threat.’ He added that the ‘threat’ has developed over decades, adding that the government has chosen to “rebel” rather than stand by and watch as the destruction takes hold.

Dissanayake pointed out that every young person with a drug addiction represents a suffering family and a declining community. ‘When a husband falls victim to addiction, it represents the deepest tragedy a family can face,’ he said. ‘The family fabric disintegrates.’

Thus, the consequences are not only personal, but also visible throughout society. ‘Most of the road accidents that occur in our country today are related to drug abuse. Most cases of child and woman abuse occur because the perpetrators are drug addicts,’ he added.

The president also drew attention to the economic costs of what he described as a drug and crime epidemic in Sri Lanka. "It has been necessary to deploy the Special Task Force to protect the Katunayake-Colombo motorway because electrical cables are being cut and stolen. The batteries from elephant fences are being removed. The iron structures of bridges and drains are being vandalised and taken away,‘ he said.

He also revealed how money linked to drug trafficking has infiltrated law enforcement and security institutions. ’73 T-56 assault rifles from a certain military camp have been transferred into the hands of these groups,‘ he said. ’They have also been supplied with ammunition. Payments for these transactions were made to bank accounts. One police officer even sold his service weapon and fled.‘

Disanayake said that corruption and crime have also spread to state departments under the protection of ’certain politicians.‘ ’The Department of Motor Transport (DMT) has issued number plates for non-existent vehicles. Some immigration officials have provided two or three passports to underworld leaders. Corrupt links within Customs have also been exposed,‘ he explained.

’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 shadow state must be dismantled and brought to an end." .

Dissanayake added that fear and violence now hold people hostage. ‘Those who try to quit are often shot dead,’ he said. Many citizens believe that if this government does not act, no one else will. ‘This has now become the desperate plea of mothers across the country,’ he said.

In addition to allocating funds, the president also announced the establishment of a National Operations Centre, which will bring together the police, armed forces, customs, immigration, traffic police and intelligence agencies under a single coordinated command.

‘With this system in place, no one will be able to remain hidden. We already know who they are and where they operate,’ he said.

He also called for the involvement of religious and civil communities in the ‘A Nation United’ campaign. ‘The link between the village and religious institutions must be used as a fundamental weapon in the fight against this threat,’ he said, adding that the media also has a responsibility to report responsibly and shape public understanding of the issue.

He then defended the police: ‘Behind every unsolved crime in our country there has been political protection, not a lack of skill or competence.’

Finally, he said that public safety committees, religious leaders, NGOs and local organisations will play a key role in supporting the operation. ‘We are mobilising broad public support, from the highest levels down to local communities,’ he said.

The president announced that the fight against drugs in Sri Lanka will require unity and perseverance. ‘We are implementing this initiative through a multifaceted approach: arrests, rehabilitation, prevention, public awareness, sports and cultural activities must work in unison,’ he added.