Minister Vijitha Herath said that eradicating the drug menace requires more than police action alone, urging communities at the village level to actively combat the sale and consumption of drugs.
He made these remarks during a recent discussion with civil society leaders at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
“Eradication of the drug problem must start from the village. People should unite against the sale and distribution of drugs, and society as a whole must launch a campaign against it,” the Minister said. He added that local mechanisms should be established to prevent drug use and sales, and offenders should be isolated from the community while being offered rehabilitation.
The programme is set to be launched at Sugathadasa Stadium, with the participation of civil society and religious leaders, to send a strong national message. Following the launch, district and village committees will be formed, involving temples, churches, mosques, and other community organizations to carry out a sustained campaign against drugs.
