The Council was established to implement a national programme aimed at eradicating the drug menace, which is a significant national crisis presently facing the country.
The Cabinet Paper presented by the President on October 13, proposing the “Nation United -National Drive”, Programme to combat drug menace, was approved and it was decided to establish a National Steering Council to oversee its implementation.
During its first meeting, the Council primarily focused on dismantling the drug trafficking network, rehabilitating those addicted to drugs, mobilizing public participation to eradicate the menace, involving mass organizations in public awareness campaigns and implementing a coordinated national media operation.
In outlining the primary purpose of establishing this Council, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the significant danger that drug abuse presents to the lives of youth and schoolchildren, noting that it has developed into a substantial social and economic crisis.
Religious leaders attending the meeting commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation and the need for a comprehensive national programme that unites the entire country to overcome this crisis.
Among those in attendance were Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the Ministry D.W.R.B. Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Air Force Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral B.A.K.S.P. Banagoda, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Uditha Gayashan Gunasekara, Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited Gamini Warushamana, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Gihan de Silva, along with senior officers of the armed forces, university lecturers, media heads, artistes and representatives from the health sector and civil society organizations.
PMD
