President calls on religious leaders to spearhead national anti-drug campaign

President Dissanayake underscored the importance of religious communities in mounting an effective response to drug trafficking and substance abuse, arguing that meaningful social change requires a shift in public consciousness that religious institutions are uniquely positioned to facilitate.

The President's appeal reflects growing recognition among policymakers that combating the drug crisis requires broad-based engagement across all sectors of society. Religious leaders, given their moral authority and deep community connections, are seen as key influencers capable of mobilizing public opinion against narcotics.

The initiative seeks to harness the moral and spiritual influence of Sri Lanka's diverse faith communities to reinforce anti-drug messaging and support rehabilitation efforts. By enlisting religious institutions as active partners, the government aims to create a comprehensive national framework addressing both the supply and demand sides of the illicit drug trade.

The President's invitation signals an expectation that religious organizations will integrate anti-drug advocacy into their core activities, leveraging their platforms and congregations to foster a cultural shift toward rejecting substance abuse.