President Warns of Rising Drug Menace and Calls for Urgent Action

COLOMBO (News 1st):President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today stressed that the drug menace has spread to many unexpected sectors in the country.

He emphasized that his government holds a decisive and irrevocable responsibility to tackle this growing threat.

The remarks were made during the 150th anniversary celebration of the Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena, a center for Buddhist education in Sri Lanka, founded by Venerable Sri Dharmaloka Thero of Ratmalana on November 1, 1875.

Starting from a small hut, Venerable Dharmaloka Thero dedicated himself to teaching the Dhamma, shaping generations of patriotic students. After his passing in 1887, his student Venerable Sri Dharmarama Nayaka Thero became the chief incumbent of the Pirivena and developed it into a leading academic research center, producing numerous scholarly works.

The 150th anniversary celebrations, which began on October 27, concluded today with the Yelasiya Abhiman event at the newly constructed International Buddhist Conference Hall of the Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena.

The event was presided over by President Dissanayake and attended by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, other politicians, and members of the Maha Sangha Ratnaya.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the country's administrative inefficiency and complexity have contributed to social problems, particularly the growing narcotics menace. He emphasized that the government has a decisive responsibility to combat drug abuse.

The President called for unity across political parties and communities to fight this crisis and stressed the crucial role of Buddhist monks in guiding society during challenging times.