We have arrested the sharks, not sardines; Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala

11-Nov-2025

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Opposition accusations against the President and the Minister of Public Security are meant to obstruct the government’s anti-drug operations. We are not catching sprats in a strategic operation; we have caught the sharks, said Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.

He made these remarks during a discussion with police officers in Maharagama on November 9.

He further stated:

With the blessings of past governments, the drug trade expanded from cities to villages. Underworld gangs were protected by those in power, and the entire country now faces the consequences.

No parent wants their children to fall victim to drugs. Parents will fully support the government’s anti-drug efforts. Yet the opposition unites against the government, claiming constitutional overreach whenever action is taken against drug traffickers and underworld groups.

The 2026 Budget presented by the President allocates substantial funds for combating drugs. Merely imprisoning addicts will not solve the issue.

Two billion rupees have been allocated in the 2026 Budget for rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals.

Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon implemented the strategic operation, but only sprats were caught, while sharks were shielded under political orders.

We have now arrested the key actors in the domestic and international drug network. We will take strict measures against drug trafficking, he said.