Anti-narcotics law will be enforced against anyone - President

Colombo (News 1st): The Anuradhapura District Environmental Conference was held at the Salgado Grounds in Anuradhapura, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena this morning (Feb 14). The conference was organized to facilitate the social integration of the national Punurudaya environmental conservation program. A report that identified environmental issues within the Anuradhapura district and applicable solutions was presented to President Maithripala Sirisena by the Anuradhapura District Secretary. The distribution of fruit plants to students, a mechanism for a waste disposal project, 5000 rainwater tanks, also took place in conjunction with this event. Speaking at the event President Maithripala Sirisena noted that he had learned recently that the Nochchiyagama police had arrested a police officer attached to the presidential security division with five and a half kilos of ganja, in Anuradhapura. He noted that the drug menace has infested the security divisions as well. He went onto note that when the police stopped a vehicle belonging to an officer of the PSD, these officers produce their ID's. The police then permit them to proceed, without checking their vehicles. However, the President pointed out that it was a sub-inspector who was arrested with narcotics and his wife is a sub-inspector as well. The Head of State noted that during such situations, ranks and status should not be considered. If anyone acts against drug eradication or environmental conservation, the law must be strictly enforced. The President paid homage to the Sri Maha Bodiya before attending the conference. He later visited Ven. Dr Allegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thero Atamasthanadipathi, Chief Sanghanayaka.

---