Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Strong Parenting Key to Protecting Children from Drugs, President Says
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised that family relationships and parental vigilance are more effective than legislation alone in shielding children from drug abuse. The President has called for structured programmes to educate parents on recognising warning signs and monitoring their children's behaviour.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
President Dissanayake stressed the critical role families play in combating youth drug use during recent remarks on the escalating drug crisis affecting the nation. While acknowledging the importance of legal frameworks, the President argued that robust parent-child bonds and active parental engagement provide the most reliable defence against substance abuse among young people.
The President underscored the need for a comprehensive mechanism to inform parents about the dangers posed by drugs and equip them with practical tools to identify behavioural changes in their children. Such an initiative would enable families to intervene early and seek professional help when necessary, he suggested.
The remarks come amid ongoing concerns about drug trafficking and abuse across Sri Lanka. Experts have long highlighted the importance of preventive education and community-based approaches alongside law enforcement efforts to address the drug menace effectively.
The President's position reflects growing recognition among policymakers that sustainable solutions to drug-related problems require multi-faceted strategies involving schools, healthcare providers, and families working in concert to protect vulnerable young people.