striving towards drug free sri lanka essay

Sunday, 26 June 2016

The Hindu Editorial

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Sri Lanka’s Anti-Drug Crusade: A Tightrope Walk Between Security and Human Rights

• Post published: January 20, 2024

In an era where the war against drugs often oscillates between stringent law enforcement and human rights concerns, Sri Lanka’s recent anti-drug operation, arresting some 40,000 people in a month, exemplifies this dilemma. The government’s staunch stance, as iterated by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, reflects a resolve to combat drug trafficking. Yet, it also ignites a fiery debate over the potential erosion of civil liberties and human rights – a concern echoed by the United Nations and various international rights groups.Sri Lanka’s operation, named ‘Yukthiya’ [Justice], ostensibly targets the drug distribution networks, with significant seizures amounting to LKR 4.7 billion. However, the approach, which Public Security Minister Alles describes as non-negotiable, has raised alarms over rapid arrests and detentions, particularly of the youth. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged a review, citing a heavily security-based response and advocating for public health policies grounded in human rights.From an Indian perspective, the operation’s revelations are noteworthy. The Acting Inspector General of Police, Deshabandu Tennakoon, pinpointed Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and south India as primary sources for drug consignments. This implicates India not just as a bystander but as an active participant in this regional issue. The acknowledgment of south India as a source for ‘Ice’ or methamphetamine suggests a transnational dimension to India’s own drug challenges.The repercussions of Sri Lanka’s current policy are manifold. While aiming to eradicate drug trafficking, the approach risks infringing upon human rights, potentially inciting societal unrest. Moreover, the operation’s emphasis on security over public health interventions may be counterproductive in the long-term battle against drug abuse. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and international organizations, including Amnesty International, have already flagged concerns of torture, inhuman treatment, and arbitrary arrests. India, sharing close geographical and cultural ties with Sri Lanka, must observe these developments keenly. There lies an opportunity to foster collaborative anti-drug strategies that balance stringent law enforcement with human rights and public health approaches. Moreover, India’s engagement could help in addressing the transnational drug trafficking networks that affect both nations.While Sri Lanka’s determined stance in its anti-drug crusade is commendable, it must not overshadow the imperative of safeguarding human rights and embracing a more holistic approach to drug control. A collaborative regional strategy, involving countries like India, could offer a more balanced and effective solution. It is time for nations to unite in this fight, not just with an iron fist but also with a healing touch.

-written by Vishal Parihar(Teacher at Unacademy)

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Save youth from drug menace

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By conservative estimates, around 100,000 Lankans, a large number of them teenagers and people under the age of 25, are addicted to the use of illegal drugs. Schoolchildren are among those who have fallen prey as a result of easy accessibility to illegal substances such as ice (crystal methamphetamine), cannabis and heroin. The highest number of drug-related arrests have been in the Colombo district followed by Gampaha, but substance abuse among the youth is on the increase countrywide. Not only has the growing illicit drug trade in the country led to the wide use of such substances, this has also seen an increase in gun violence. In the first six months of the year there have been more than 60 shootings with at least 36 deaths, majority of these related to organised crimes and the drug trade. The death of a man in Kudawella, Tangalle who was shot dead last week has been linked to a Sri Lankan drug dealer living in Dubai. The killing was on a contract given to an ex-naval rating who was arrested by the Police shortly after the incident. Police found 5 grams of heroin from the suspect’s vehicle. While the serious crimes make the headlines, the faces of those who have fallen victim to substance abuse are rarely highlighted with schoolchildren being among the most vulnerable. The exposure of schoolchildren to unscrupulous agents of drug dealers who lurk near schools waiting to entice students to experiment with addictive substances is a real threat. Last year the Police Special Task Force arrested a man near a school in Talawakelle selling ‘mawa’, an intoxicating chewable tobacco product banned by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, while a stock of 400 prescription medication pregabalin pills were confiscated in Vavuniya also by the STF. These are just two instances, but this is a growing danger countrywide that is putting lives of youth at risk and leading to a high school dropout rate and pushing juveniles toward crimes. Stories of drug-related petty crimes are a daily occurrence while serious crimes by those under the influence of drugs too are becoming regular. Some of the students arrested for drug-related offences are as young as 15 but there could be younger children who have fallen prey to drugs. The Education Ministry steps in from time to time with drug prevention programs but such ad hoc programs are unlikely to prevent the spread of drug use. Those behind the drug trade or the big fish often get away and it is their agents who operate on the street as well as users of illicit drugs who get arrested. Given that most caught with even small quantities of drugs are often jailed, there are many instances that within the walls of the prison, they get recruited to be a part of the drug trade and hence end up being hardened drug users themselves while also selling drugs. In a country beset with economic problems, the easy money is an attractive incentive to resort to illegal means, especially for youth coming from economically backward families. Given the grave danger which illicit substances pose to the youth of this country, the Government must pay more heed to tackle this problem. While prevention of use is the primary task, rehabilitation of addicts is an important aspect to save the lives of the youth of this country from ruination due to drug use. While the STF has stepped in and carried out some commendable work in bringing some of the bigwigs engaged in the drug trade to book, a lot more needs to be done to minimise easy access to drugs. It is not a battle Sri Lanka can win alone. Given the recent crimes which expose the nexus between locals engaged in the drug trade and their acolytes in Dubai, the law encouragement authorities have a lot more on their hands to crack down on these drug rings and save future generations from the drug menace.

Sri Lanka's Growing Drug Problem

In November 2022, Sri Lanka’s government passed a Parliamentary Act imposing the death penalty or life imprisonment on anyone caught trafficking, possessing, importing or exporting five or more grams of Morphine, Cocaine, Heroin or Methamphetamine. The Parliamentary Act was passed in response to growing levels of drug abuse and drug trafficking within Sri Lanka, with negative impacts being felt socially, economically and politically.

Violence, crime and social erosion

Violence resulting from both direct drug abuse and clashes among organised crime groups have noticeably increased across the country - including the 30 March fatal shooting of a high-level local drug dealer from the Galle area in a tourist location on the South Coast. Many fear that negative press such as this, coupled with bad experiences by tourists will also affect tourism - one of the biggest income streams of the country, which would further aggravate the country’s dire economic situation. The economic crisis has already triggered a migration exodus of skilled workers, resulting in a shortage of skilled workers in critical sectors, such as health care and education.

Although Sri Lanka has been held up as a pioneer among developing countries , investing heavily in its human resources and achieving primary school education completion rates of nearly 100 percent, drug abuse has also started to infiltrate educational institutions. Reports are circulating among communities across the country of local drug dealers specifically targeting schools, enticing children to become hooked on drugs - often disguised in sweets - or using them as drug mules. Community members and parents are extremely concerned, as most do not believe that the government will take appropriate measures to address the issue. Despite Sri Lanka’s National Dangerous Drug Control Board introducing ‘Shiksha’ - a school-based drug prevention and training program aimed at increasing awareness and resilience and reducing drug abuse - many years ago, the latest report in 2020 showed that only 79 programs had been launched island wide, and only 8 teacher trainings conducted. Since then, the problem has only intensified.

Corruption and geography

Sri Lankan Government efforts to strengthen law enforcement, public awareness and to provide rehabilitation facilities for those dealing with addiction have been made with the support of international organisations; however, human rights activists have voiced concerns that the problem needs to be addressed at its source - preventing politically connected drug traffickers trading illegal substances in and through the country.

Sri Lanka does not grow any opium poppy itself, but due to its strategic location between East and West the island nation has evolved into a major transit point for heroin from South West Asia and India to destinations in Europe and the West. Cannabis on the other hand is cultivated on a large scale in the Eastern and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka. The estimated land area of Sri Lanka under cannabis cultivation is 500 hectares , with real numbers likely much higher. Cannabis use is widespread, especially in coastal areas. Seizures of Methamphetamine across South-East Asia, including in Sri Lanka, have been rising rapidly in recent years - with trafficking seemingly unaffected by COVID-19 and border closures. Seizures, in general, are estimated to only account for 10 percent of the trafficked amount, leaving high volumes of drugs circulating.

Drug traffickers will continue to exploit Sri Lanka’s geolocation, corruption and weak law enforcement, further aggravating social and economic issues; the knock-on effects will be felt across many sectors and people. At STATT we engage in analysis of many cross-cutting issues, aware of their interconnected nature and impact both domestically and internationally.

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Threat Lens on “The Illicit Flow of Drugs and its Impact on Sri Lankan Youth”

Addressing the gathering, Director General of INSSSL Mr Asanga Abeyagoonasekera quoted from His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena’s recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly where he pledged: “I underscore the need to implement a broader international response to the threat posed by drugs, and other intoxicants. As I see it, drug prevention and mitigation oriented programmes with a broad acceptance and consensus are the need of the day.” The Institute whose President is also His Excellency President Sirisena, advocates this view and considers the illicit flow of narcotics among Sri Lankan youth as a threat to national security.  

To begin with, researchers of the Institute presented a comprehensive overview of the day’s theme with focus on the following areas: world context of illicit drug proliferation; threat landscape of Sri Lanka for the illicit flow of drugs; methods of trafficking; consumption patterns of drugs in Sri Lanka; initiatives taken by law enforcement to criminalize drugs; and the impact of drugs on youth in Sri Lanka. In this, they also addressed smuggling routes and methods of trafficking of narcotics into the country as well as the consumption patterns of drugs. The presentation also focused on success stories from Switzerland and Portugal that were shared in regard to the world context of illicit drug proliferation. 

When considering the landscape of the illicit flow of drugs in Sri Lanka, the single most significant problem was seen as the trafficking of heroin from India for local consumption as Sri Lanka serves as a trans-shipment hub. It is significant that apart from Cannabis which is cultivated on a large scale in the provinces of eastern and southern Sri Lanka, all other drugs are imported, not locally produced. Numbers of drug related arrests have increased by 23% in 2015 when compared with the previous year and of the total drug related arrests, 32% was for heroin and 63% for cannabis. It is also a concern that most number of drug related arrests have been reported from the Western province (60%) where Colombo district contributed to 43% of the total. 

The presentation also highlighted the legal aspect to counter this issue drawing from drug laws, local and international. In addition to the many internal legal mechanisms such as the Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the Sri Lanka National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Drug Abuse, Sri Lanka is a signatory to the three UN conventions on drug abuse and trafficking which are the Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961; Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988. To counter this problem, there also exists regionally, South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Furthermore, It is a concern that the drug menace also contributes to related social and security issues such as money laundering, human trafficking and arms trafficking. To respond to these threats, measures have been adopted by the present government of Sri Lanka. The Presidential task force on drug prevention was established by President Sirisena in 2015 with the aims of reducing the use of Alcohol, Tobacco and other illegal drugs and thus reducing the negative consequences of using such substances. The task force was also created with the people’s wellbeing in mind in order to improve productivity and reduce poverty. The primary objective is decreasing the usage, transport and sale of Illegal Drugs by 80% by the year 2020. Further objectives are that of preventing newcomers from starting the usage of drugs; reducing the hazardous and harmful behaviours of current users; reducing the number of victims admitted to hospitals due to effects of usage of drugs; efficiently and correctly educating the public regarding direct and indirect harm caused by drugs. 

Specifically, the impact of narcotics on youth is a disturbing factor with the highest number of users being those in their teens. It is In order to address this concern, several initiatives such as youth engagement activities, awareness programmes and workshops are being held nation-wide at present. As such, the free flow of drugs among youth results in increased crime, adversely affecting mental and physical health, academic performance, relationships and economic productivity.

Recommendations of INSSSL in this regard, were directed towards taking away the stigma of drugs and make a gateway for medical treatment available to all. A requirement for a United Nations institutional training that would assist in capacity building was also suggested while the government established Centre for Sharing Intelligence on Drug Trafficking being strengthened which will enable sharing of intelligence not only domestically but also regionally.

In the engaging and informative discussion that followed, experts in the area of anti-narcotics and law enforcement shared their views on best practices in drug prevention. In this regard, four steps to consider for drug prevention were how structurally capable the country is in dealing with the drug menace, the mindset of the leadership, law enforcement authorities and the public, challenges in technical and human resources in managing the issue and safeguarding the privacy of individuals. Herein, as much as the focus is on regional and global methods of trafficking there is still a need to address the internal factors and patterns of drug usage with a more coordinated approach, methodologies and techniques for its control. Also highlighted was the need to consider the transnational nature of this phenomenon with its high revenue aspect that at times overpowers even the rule of law. 

Important proactive (prevention, detection) and reactive (investigation, persecution) measures employed in managing the issue were pointed out by law enforcement authorities. Dynamics of the prisons system where criminals forge links with youth contributing to the distribution of drugs and increased crime was an area suggested for future study. 

As regards positive developments, it was noted that there has been a clear policy against the tobacco industry in the country which has resulted in the decline of consumers in recent years whilst the policy on alcohol remains ambivalent. It was suggested that INSSSL should link up wth presidential task force to create a comprehensive national policy.

In conclusion, it was suggested by those present that addressing the root causes for the use of drugs should be investigated and further researched. A loss of values resulting in the degradation of society has contributed to the escalation of this problem in recent times. Therefore, it is imperative to seek answers within religion, family and society.  

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Effective Measures in Eliminating Illicit Drug Using and Trafficking: Sri Lankan Experience

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Example is better than advice in building a drug free country – President

President Maithripala Sirisena says the example is better than the advice in the program to build a drug free country.

“Everybody should be committed to fulfill their responsibility, according to their self-conscience”, he said. The President was speaking at the 6th phase of the National Program for Drug Free Country, held today (June 26) at the New Tow Hall in Nuwara Eliya.

President Sirisena emphasized that he would make every program for drug prevention proper and efficient in the future. He gave directions to the officials to add the discussions on drug prevention into the agendas of the District Development Committees as well as Local Development Committees.

The President pointed out that strong reason for the high levels of poverty and the malnourishment among the people in the Nuwara Eliya District, is the drug addiction of the males as well as females in the areas. “Few comprehensive programs will be implemented next couple of months to educate the people about that.

The national program has been organized by the Presidential Task force on Drug Prevention, in connection with the District Secretariat of Nuwara Eliya.

The President unveiled the plaque which educates people about the prevention of drug.

The report on the National Drug Prevention Program of the Nuwara Eliya District was presented to the President by District Secretary of Nuwara Eliya Mrs. K. H. A. Meegasmulla.

Pinning of official batches on five school children who committed for drug prevention, presenting of awards to the officers of Police Department and Civil Security Department, as well as to a provincial journalist who were dedicated for the prevention of drug, was done by the President

A school child P. Stephanie presented a drawing by her to the President at this occasion.

Minister P. Digambaram, Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayake, Member of Parliament Muththu Sivalingam, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Rohana Keerthi Dissanayake and the Director of the Presidential Task Force for Drug Prevention Dr. Samantha Kithalawarachchi were among those participated in this occasion.

(President’s Media)

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4 Responses to Example is better than advice in building a drug free country – President

This is a correct step towards the right direction. That said the salute reminds me of the Nazi salute !!!

If they raise the hand little bit more it is definitely a Nazi salute. Again I don’t think they know what Nazi salute is. This is this presidents co- signature. a half hatted Nazi salute.

This short of hand jester want to get the message to the Sri Lankens. He should raise his surrong and show his crown jewels to the public to get some attention.

Heil Hitler, here we come towards a kudu free nation.

Clean up the August Assembly first; that’s where kudu mudalali’s find support and protection.

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Collective pledge to make SL a drugs free country

The nation took a collective pledge to make Sri Lanka a drugs free country at a solemn ceremony held at the Independent Square led by President Maithripala Sirisena this morning. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

  Comments - 5 Add Your Comment

Comments - collective pledge to make sl a drugs free country.

Pledge Thursday, 04 April 2019 07:34 AM

They are always taking PLEDGES !!!

Reply 0       0

cheers Thursday, 04 April 2019 08:03 AM

Maithree and Ranils leadership made sri lanka the drug hub of asia what are we talking here

Lord Wolfstein Thursday, 04 April 2019 09:00 AM

Has Sri Lanka now introduced the Hitler salute?

Premalal Thursday, 04 April 2019 10:27 AM

This lot do not know who Hitler was.

Daham Thursday, 04 April 2019 01:42 PM

We will be able to see whether these pledges have really worked in the coming years. Just propaganda too fool the people by rogue politicians.

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Preventive Education and Training Unit

Prevention Education and Training Unit of National Dangerous Drugs Control Board mandated via Sri Lanka legislations and International drug demand reduction convention; discharged its duties actively toward a drug free Sri Lanka, promoting drug prevention activities Island wide.

PET Unit maintains a balanced and comprehensive approach to the drugs problem addressing demand which supported by evidence-based responses focusing on prevention, social integration, and sustainable livelihoods. PET Unit is building cooperation with the institutional bodies of the drug control system, International and National agencies and the scientific community to drive work that is evidenced-based.

Uphold by these evidence based sources, Preventive Education and Training Unit has identified the timely necessity of creative educational programmes targeting school students, adolescents, university students, government, non- government and private sector employees. All preventive activities are conducted by a professionally qualified and trained staff using curriculum based education theories and interactive social learning methods which contributes to enhance effective drug education and awareness in the society.

School based prevention

PET Unit conducts drug prevention programmes for school students all over the country with the aim of reducing the risks of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse by addressing the major social and psychological factors that promote the initiation of substance use and other risky behaviours. Programme provides students with the confidence and skills necessary to successfully handle challenging situations.

• TOT for Teachers

To achieve successful outcomes in drug prevention, it is proved that a considerable attention needed to be paid for school students to enhance personal and social competence related to preventing drug abuse. School teachers can effectively involve in these process.

Having understood above necessity, PET Unit has designed a training programme series with the aim of providing school teachers with skill-based, theoretical and practical knowledge of drug prevention.

Youth based prevention

• Vocational Training Centres and Tertiary Education Institutions

Vocational Training Authority plans and conducts a number of training courses Island wide to provide necessary education up to graduate level. One of the major target groups of PET Unit is these students in tertiary educational institutes because these students have been identified to be a vulnerable group for abusing drugs. PET Unit conducted a series of drug awareness programmes to develop their knowledge and skills which encourage a drug free life.

• Preventive Education for University Students

PET Unit has designed a skills-based programme to promote positive health and personal development for University students. This programme helps university students navigate the challenges of the University and prepares them for the independence and responsibilities that they will encounter as young adults. This programme for university students uses developmentally appropriate, collaborative learning strategies to help students achieve competency in the skills that have been shown to prevent substance use.

• TOT for Youth

Evidences show that youth is a powerful force in drug prevention in the world. They have an outstanding understanding of youth more than majority of scientific researches. This makes them easy to reach their peers with positive drug prevention messages without stigmatizing. Considering these factors, a series of training of trainers workshop for selected youth leaders were conducted by PET Unit. These trained youth leaders have been conducting drug prevention campaigns in their areas under the supervision of PET Unit.

Family based prevention

Effective prevention programme should be able to addresses the vulnerabilities that put children and young people at risk of starting to use drugs or other risky behaviours. Families can be one of the strongest protective factors in the lives of children and early adolescence. Poor parenting, family dysfunction, neglect and abuse are some of the strongest risk factors associated with a range of risky behaviours, including substance abuse. PET unit conducts family skill development programs and educational programs to prevent drug use in families

Larger workplace based prevention

• Larger Work Places (BOI )

Workers employed in larger work places has been identified to be a high risk group for substance abuse as a result of tiring nature of the work, lack of time spend with their family members and closers, problems in time management and lack of positive relationships. Stress caused by above factors lead people to substance abuse. To address above issue effectively PET Unit conducted a considerable number of drug awareness programmes in larger work place island wide.

• Government Officers

Government sector plays a vital role in country with the power of access to whole country with their administrative system. Intending using this power of accessibility to drug prevention and to increase the productivity of government officer’s, PET Unit has conducted number of awareness and training programmes for grama niladhari, samurdhi niladhari, development officers, and other field officers who employed in government sector Island wide.

• Programmes for Law Enforcement Officers

It is identified that both supply reduction and demand reduction approaches are necessary to attain effective results in drug prevention. Law enforcement of emerging psychotropic substances and current trends in drug trafficking are essential in developing the efficiency of their service. To address these issues in law enforcement sector, PET Unit launched a programme series for three forces, Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Custom and other law enforcement officials.

Community Programmes

PET Unit conducts drug prevention programmes for community with the aim of reducing demand for substances. Researches prove that providing drug education for grass root level community generates effective outcomes in successfully managing substance related issues. It is notable that people live in community have more influence on substance users and also they are power enough to change their attitudes as they have a good understanding of their own members.

Major objective of community programme is to reduce environmental factors and social influence that leads people to experiment and use substances. Additionally, it is intended to empower community members to avoid their closers from substance related issues and to encourage healthy lifestyle.

Exhibitions

Drug Prevention Exhibitions are a cost and time effective way of conveying a message to a larger group. In these exhibitions; posters, banners, and leaflets containing drug prevention messages and information were distributed among public.

Preventive Coordinators

Status Report

• Status Report Preventive Education and Training Unit January 2024
• Status Report Preventive Education and Training Unit February 2024
• Status Report Preventive Education and Training Unit May 2024

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