No Political Protection for Drug Offenders: President Anura
22-Nov-2025.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that in the past, armed criminals linked to drug trafficking and the underworld grew under the protection of political leaders. But now, a government has been established that will not grant political protection to any criminal or anyone associated with drug networks.
He said that, as per the mandate given by the people, the government will fulfill the people’s expectations and trust. For this, security forces must perform their duties without fear, and the government will stand
by them even in the most difficult situations.
He made these remarks while speaking at the national anti-drug programme titled “The Whole Nation as One,” held in Tangalle on November 20.
Continuing his address, he said:
Which path should we choose— the path to defeat this menace or the old path of helpless dependence? The path we must choose, out of unwavering commitment to our motherland and nation, is to defeat this menace.
Protecting our children and our country from this disaster is the responsibility of all of us— the police, navy, army, air force, religious leaders, and the general public. Saving future generations and the nation from this menace is our single, firm objective.
We know that armed criminals, drug lords, and underworld leaders grew under the protection of political leaders. At one time, underworld leaders represented political party committees; at another, they were part of the presidential security division; at yet another time, under political leaders’ protection.
I assure Buddhist monks and all religious leaders: a government has now been established that will not grant political protection to any criminal or anyone linked to drug trafficking networks. The people have given us a mandate, and it is our responsibility to fulfill their expectations and trust.
Some people are trying to create confusion and disrupt our programme. They attempt to divert public attention from real issues toward artificial problems created by themselves. We will not be trapped in such confusion and lies. We will continue this mission with a firm goal. We will definitely succeed and protect this country.
I extend my thanks to the navy, police, army, air force, and intelligence services who are working tirelessly for this noble task. Never allow the dignity of your uniform or your position to weaken or melt before any criminal anywhere.
Your decisions must be implemented. We will protect you under any difficult circumstance. Do your duty— we will stand with you. I know this is a difficult and heavy responsibility, but I have strong confidence that you will fulfill it courageously.
