Navy Commander leads the Task Force for drug free country

The Presidential Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs convened at Navy Headquarters on 03 Sep 25, adopting a strategic-level approach to formulate a comprehensive national campaign aimed at eradicating drug menace from the country. The meeting was presided over by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, in his capacity as Chairman of the Task Force.

The Task Force has been established to operate within a unified national framework in collaboration with stakeholders, with the objective of curbing the smuggling and spread of poisonous and dangerous drugs. Its mandate includes preventing drug abuse, rehabilitating those affected by addiction, and supporting the nation’s long-term progress, while safeguarding social and economic security.

The Task Force brings together a wide spectrum of government institutions and law enforcement agencies. Its stakeholders include the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Prisons, Sri Lanka Navy, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Posts, Bureau of Rehabilitation, Department of Ayurveda, Department of Community Based Corrections, Government Analyst’s Department, Department of Public Security, Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Ministry of Mass Media, Attorney General’s Department, Police Department, Customs Department, Excise Department, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and the National Authority for Tobacco and Alcohol.

The Presidential Task Force has been entrusted with formulating, implementing, and monitoring strategic national action plans, short, medium, and long-term, through a coordinated approach to combat drug abuse, curb trafficking and strengthen rehabilitation efforts.

The Commander of the Navy outlined the responsibilities and functions of the Task Force during the meeting, which also featured a comprehensive exchange of views on the duties, objectives, progress, and future plans of each stakeholder in combating narcotics and dangerous drugs. The establishment of this Task Force underscores the government’s firm commitment to building a drug-free nation and fostering a healthier society.