President Warns Police Over Drug Links: “Leave Immediately or Be Removed”

 

Colombo, October 31 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued an uncompromising warning to Police officers allegedly involved in drug trafficking networks, demanding that they withdraw immediately or face severe disciplinary action.

Speaking at the launch of the government’s new anti-narcotics campaign — “United as a Nation: National Drive” — the President said his administration would show zero tolerance toward corruption within the law-enforcement and public-service sectors.

“Leave immediately! Otherwise, we will remove you,” the President declared, drawing applause from the crowd.

‘Clean the Police, Clean the Country’

President Dissanayake noted that many citizens believe Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted drug crisis could be largely resolved if corrupt officers were removed from the Police Department — a view he said he shared.

“Some villages say that when information is given to the Police, people later come looking for the informant,” he said. “Authorities are taking steps to stop this. This is the era where the highest number of suspensions have been carried out within the Police Force. We have already suspended many officers. Others must now step out of that network.”

The President added that ongoing investigations have uncovered several instances of collusion between certain Police personnel and narcotics rings, prompting immediate internal disciplinary measures and transfers.

Warning Extended to Other Departments

The President’s warning was not limited to the Police. He also cautioned officials in other key state institutions — including the Departments of Immigration, Motor Traffic, and Customs — to disengage from any illegal activities or risk swift action.

“This message is clear for everyone,” the President said. “Those who are part of corrupt networks in any government institution must leave them at once.”

A New Phase in the Anti-Narcotics Campaign

The “United as a Nation – National Drive” marks the first major anti-drug initiative under the new administration. It aims to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, improve rehabilitation services, and cut off institutional support networks that protect drug traffickers.

Officials said the campaign would also include community-level awareness programmes and improved intelligence sharing between Police, Customs, and the Navy.

Political observers see the President’s speech as both a moral and institutional test of his government’s resolve to tackle systemic corruption — an issue that has long undermined public confidence in Sri Lanka’s justice system.