'Bak Maha Divuruma' taken under President's leadership
April 03, 2019The 'Bak Maha Divuruma' (National Pledge to eradicate drug menace) was held at the Independence Square, today (03 March). This national initiative was taken as a part of the illicit drug prevention programme carried out under the directives of the President Maithripala Sirisena.
The main ceremony held at the historic Independence Square in Colombo was graced by the President. Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. Hemasiri Fernando was also present at the occasion. The pledge was taken in all three languages by everyone present at the occasion.
Subsequently, a felicitation ceremony was held at the Foundation Institute in Colombo graced by the President. The ceremony was held under the "Mathin Nidahas Ratak" (A country free of drugs) project of the President to felicitate the services rendered by the Tri Forces, Police, Civil Defence Force and other state agency officials in the fight to eradicate dangerous drugs from the country.
The President was received by Secretary Defence upon his arrival at the venue.
In keeping with the national programme, the' Bak Maha Pledge' was also taken by all members of the staff at the Ministry of Defence. The ceremony held parallel to the main ceremony was presided over by the Secretary to the State Ministry of Defence Mr. NKGK Nemmewatta.
The island-wide drug prevention campaign spearheaded by the President with the involvement of law enforcement, excise, legal and other line agencies including the Tri Forces has succeeded in making major breakthroughs in busting many large and small organized drug smuggling rackets. Large quantities of dangerous drugs have been confiscated during these operations both on land and at sea.
One such consignment of over 769kgs of cocaine was destroyed during a nationally televised event held at a warehouse in Kelaniya on Monday (01 April). President Maithripala Sirisena was present at the event to witness the historic occasion. This is the second time such a large stock of cocaine was destroyed in the country.
Religious dignitaries, Prime Minister, Speaker, Ministers, Parliamentarians, Governors, CDS, Tri Forces Commanders, IGP, senior state officials, and a large number of people and school children were also present to take the "Bak Maha Divuruma".
