Over One Thousand Participants Join National Anti-Drug Awareness March to Mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

A large-scale public awareness march, attended by more than one thousand participants, was held today (26 June) to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

In line with the national drug prevention program, “Iwathwenu,” launched on 30 October 2025 and successfully implemented over the past eight months, a series of awareness initiatives were conducted on 26 June 2026 at police stations and other relevant government institutions across the island.

As the flagship event of these initiatives, the Ministry of Public Security organised a major awareness march from Colombo Port City to Kollupitiya Junction. The program was jointly conducted with the participation of the Ministry of Mass Media, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, the Department of Excise, the Sri Lanka Police, the Tri-Forces, the Rehabilitation Bureau, the National Youth Services Council, and numerous other ministries, departments, organisations, and institutions.

Held under the theme, “Let’s Walk with Pride Towards a Drug-Free Nation,” the march brought together more than one thousand police officers and young people. Awareness leaflets were distributed to members of the public along the procession route, while participants educated the community on the importance of public cooperation in preventing drug abuse and trafficking.

Special emphasis was placed on promoting the 1818 hotline and increasing public awareness of the services provided by the Rehabilitation Bureau.

The march was attended by the Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala; Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Ms. Saroja Paulraj; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Sunil Watagala; Colombo District Member of Parliament, Ms. Samanmali Gunasekara; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne; and Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya.

The event was further enhanced by performances from the Sri Lanka Police Band, the Sri Lanka Navy Band, and the dance and cultural groups of the National Youth Services Council, adding colour and vibrancy while attracting greater public attention to the campaign.

The Community Policing and Environmental Protection Directorate made a significant contribution to organising the march in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, while officers attached to the Police Traffic Headquarters and several police divisions in and around Colombo ensured the safety and smooth conduct of the procession.

A Shared Responsibility for a Drug-Free Sri Lanka

“As citizens of Sri Lanka, it is our collective responsibility to foster a drug-free society in order to achieve the sustainable economic and social development our nation aspires to. People of all ages, regardless of race or religion, should actively contribute to this national effort by supporting the Sri Lanka Police and providing valuable information to assist in the fight against illegal drugs.

Become a proud partner in the “Let’s Quit Drugs Together” National Drug Prevention Programme, through which the Sri Lanka Police, government institutions, and non-governmental organisations are working collectively to suppress the supply of illicit drugs, reduce public demand, and build a safer, healthier, and drug-free Sri Lanka for future generations.”