553,000 Sri Lankans addicted to drugs: Justice Minister

Justice Minister Ali Sabry said yesterday 553,000 Sri Lankans were addicted to drugs. Speaking at a function held at Viyangalla in Kalutara, Minister Sabry assured that measures would be taken to eradicate the drug menace from the country.

"In order to ensure the security of everyone, we will unearth all roots of the drug scourge. If a special unit is needed for this, we will create one as well," he said.

He said the high number of people addicted to drug was a grave situation and only a strong leader like President Gotabaya Rajapaksa can eradicate the drug menace in the country. (Lahiru Pothmulla)