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PM pledges to declare war on drugs

28 February 2018 01:47 am - 23     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who took over the Ministry of Law and Order few days ago pledged to declare war against drugs yesterday.

The Prime Minister made this pledge at a ceremony held to mark the 35th anniversary of STF which also coincided with the passing out of 169 STF personnel l at Katukurunda Police straining school last evening.

“We have to stop the drug trafficking and distribution. You cannot be soft on drugs. We have to be strict with it. If there is one loop-hole that will do a great damage. In USA they say you cannot be soft on drugs whether you are law enforcement institution, whether you are administering justice or doing correction services. Therefore let us not be soft on drugs,” he said.

Pledging to bring in strict laws to curb drugs, the Prime Minister said he will discuss bringing in new laws with the Attorney General. “Some laws pertaining to drug trafficking, illegal use of drugs and other laws pertaining to the police have become outdated and we need to modify these laws. I will discuss this matter with the Attorney General and other stake holders on the matter,” he added.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said a Buddhist monk once told him that the country is currently facing an issue which is more dangerous than terrorism. “ I asked this monk as to what he was talking about, he told me that it was drugs trafficking which had spread all over the country. He advised me to focus on this issue and save the youth from this social ill ,” he said.

He recalled that STF was first established in the 1980s when police stations in the North were overrun by the terrorists. STF was established to protect the police stations. Terrorists were not successful in attacking police stations during the war after STF was established. He said Sri Lankan STF is a role model for many other countries. The Prime Minister said this while highlighting that Sri Lanka is the first country in Asia to introduce a national police force. He therefore urged the STF personnel to safeguard its reputation.

IGP Pujith Jayasundara told the newly passed out officers not to engage in acts which tarnishes the image of STF. “Perform your duty towards the nation with zest and pride,” he told the officers.

Commanding officer of STF M. R. Latheef paid tribute to the founder of STF late Ravi Jayewardene and 483 STF personnel who had sacrificed their lives in the war since 1987. A commemorative coin was issued to mark the STF anniversary while two books were also launched. One is about the history of STF and the other about the history of the police. (Yohan Perera)


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  Comments - 23

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  • Prakash Wednesday, 28 February 2018 07:52 AM

    And forget the bond robbers.

    Ajja Wednesday, 28 February 2018 08:04 AM

    Go to Philippines and get the right training from President Duarte. If not it will never work.

    Dr Raj Wednesday, 28 February 2018 08:35 AM

    After trying to eradicate drugs for many decades the so called drug experts have all failed in the West. So they are thinking about legalising the drugs and control the supply thus removing the criminals and their vast wealth. But in Asia this approach hasn’t registered into the heads of theAsian drug “Experts”.

    sachith Wednesday, 28 February 2018 09:04 AM

    "removing the criminals and their vast wealth" how to do this here? All these drug traffickers are the law makers in Wila meda bungalow.

    Anon Wednesday, 28 February 2018 09:51 AM

    War against drugs? Really? Maybe you can address why the youth are using it. All of you so called adults/Clergy doesn't care about anything.You all will make millions again following failed policies while the future generations would suffer from your shortsighted and dumb decisions. Please Stop messing around. Don't keep pushing.

    BV Wednesday, 28 February 2018 08:59 AM

    Shouldn't priority be given to relieve the people's war against hunger.

    Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 28 February 2018 09:00 AM

    දවල් ද?

    Sunil Wednesday, 28 February 2018 09:17 AM

    The drug king-pins will be very happy.

    Harry Wednesday, 28 February 2018 09:24 AM

    Hon? PM - Can you please explain what happens top the drugs sized by customs or police, each time in millions worth? Never destroyed - no proof? We guess they come back to the market and that's the reason why drugs are freely available.

    BV Wednesday, 28 February 2018 01:08 PM

    Absolutely correct ,Why can't the drugs relevant to each case be destroyed in the presence of the magistrate once the proceedings are concluded.

    Ronnie Bugger Wednesday, 28 February 2018 09:28 AM

    Pledges and promises these past three years. Water under the bridge. The Prime Minister will not wage a war against drugs but will retreat making way for the kingpins to thrive further. The previous incumbent was no good, Ranil can be worse. Please bring in the Field Marshal to do your dirty work.

    Ceylon Wednesday, 28 February 2018 10:12 AM

    president sirisena appointed well known drug importer lanza to hi cabinet.so far largesr importer dm jayarathna cought with 270kg heroin import is still sirisena's adviser.arrest sirisena and discover all drug crimes.

    SriLaankan Wednesday, 28 February 2018 10:17 AM

    WAR ON DRUGS!!! Very good ,what about the attack in Ampara. Why dont you PM try and STOP people trying to create ethnic issues in this county.This country needs people who can work fast

    Titanic Wednesday, 28 February 2018 10:23 AM

    Pls stop communal violences against the people of this beautiful nation, if not , we will not have a country to live

    Refaideen Wednesday, 28 February 2018 11:23 AM

    Go

    sam Wednesday, 28 February 2018 12:12 PM

    Good news, the less drug barons there are on the loose the less MP's we will have in Parliament. Win win

    Observer Wednesday, 28 February 2018 12:44 PM

    Another fales promise.nothing els.

    Sincere Wednesday, 28 February 2018 01:35 PM

    Both the PM and the Cardinal are now on the street fighting drugs.

    mason Wednesday, 28 February 2018 03:17 PM

    drug dealers there got big votes.

    Ajja Wednesday, 28 February 2018 02:47 PM

    All the Red finger pointers are Drug Addicts...

    Ceylon Wednesday, 28 February 2018 03:46 PM

    What??.ranil declared war against sirisena ?.

    Ceylon Wednesday, 28 February 2018 03:57 PM

    Comody of the week.unpiers started war against ranil.ranil started war against drugs.ha ha ha.

    LKCricket Thursday, 01 March 2018 03:21 PM

    Chandi Ranil. he he he


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