The “Nation United -National Drive”, Steering Council convened for the first time today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Council was established to implement a national programme aimed at eradicating the drug menace, which is a significant national crisis presently facing the country. The Cabinet Paper presented by the President on October 13, proposing the “Nation United -National Drive”, Programme to combat drug menace, was approved and it was decided to establish a National Steering Council to oversee its implementation.
During its first meeting, the Council primarily focused on dismantling the drug trafficking network, rehabilitating those addicted to drugs, mobilizing public participation to eradicate the menace, involving mass organizations in public awareness campaigns and implementing a coordinated national media operation.
In outlining the primary purpose of establishing this Council, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the significant danger that drug abuse presents to the lives of youth and schoolchildren, noting that it has developed into a substantial social and economic crisis.
Religious leaders attending the meeting commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation and the need for a comprehensive national programme that unites the entire country to overcome this crisis.