Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has vowed that his government will not offer political protection to anyone linked to criminal activity or the country’s drug trade. Speaking at Tangalle in the Southern Province at the launch of the second phase of the “A Nation United” anti-drug mission, he said the administration’s priority is to protect children and communities from the expanding drug menace.

President Dissanayake emphasised that the public had given the government a clear mandate to confront narcotics networks nationwide. He warned that some groups are attempting to create political distractions to undermine the campaign, but insisted the government will not be diverted. The President said the national anti-drug drive will intensify in the coming months, describing it as a critical effort to stabilise communities and restore public confidence as Sri Lanka continues broader post-crisis recovery efforts.