President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has alleged that money from drug trafficking is being used to finance media outlets, YouTube channels, websites and protests against his government.
He made the claim at a public rally in Nikaweratiya on Sunday. He did not name any media organisation, website or protest group.
The President said people linked to the drug trade were trying to undermine the government’s efforts to end narcotics and organised crime. He said the government had ended the political and state protection that criminal networks once enjoyed.
According to the President, authorities have seized 3,511 kilograms of heroin, 6,206 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and 308 kilograms of cocaine in the government’s two years in office. He said 93 T-56 assault rifles, 139 pistols and 104 revolvers were also recovered in operations against organised crime.
President Dissanayake said the government would continue its campaign to protect the country’s children from drugs.
