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U.S. reaffirms support for Colombo Plan’s Global Anti-Drug mission
By Tahaan Jayewardene
Colombo, July 21 (Daily Mirror) - The United States has been a consistent partner, supporting technical assistance to the Colombo Plan, promoting evidence-based approaches and regional cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung said.
Speaking at The Colombo Plan’s 74th anniversary celebration held in Colombo, Ambassador Chung, highlighted it's long-standing impact.
“I would especially like to acknowledge the transformative work of the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Program. Since 1973, this program has played a leading role in addressing substance use prevention, treatment and rehabilitation—an issue that affects individuals, families and communities across borders,” she said.
She mentioned how the Colombo Plan continues to serve as a key partner in major U.S. efforts to combat the fentanyl overdose epidemic, co-sponsoring the National Leadership Forum and the Drug-Free America Foundation’s National Prevention Summit.
She noted that in 2024 alone, the program had made significant strides in enhancing regional and global cooperation, with over 2,000 drug demand professionals from 38 countries benefiting from training in prevention, treatment, and recovery support.
Ambassador Chung also acknowledged the voluntary contributions of several member countries including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, the Maldives, Malaysia, Japan and India, that help sustain the Colombo Plan’s drug prevention efforts.
“From engineers and educators to public health professionals and counternarcotic officers, the Colombo Plan has helped build human capital that continues to uplift communities and economies throughout the region,” she added.
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