’Will introduce programme to eradicate drug menace’: President

Colombo, November 09 (Daily Mirror)- The government will take steps to eradicate the drug menace and the underworld while putting an end to the insecure situation in the country, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

Speaking at an election rally in Kegalle, he said discussions have already been held with the Secretary of the Public Security Ministry and higher officials to formulate a programme for this.

He said that in the past the drug business was carried out with the support and blessings of politicians and a few police officers and that the National People's Power (NPP) government will launch a programme to eradicate the drug menace.

The government will ensure that everyone is equal before the law, put a stop to wastage of millions of public money, stop those who are evading the tax net, stop fraud and corruption while taking action against past incidents of fraud and corruption, the President added.

He said action will be taken to standardise politics where clear rules and regulations will be made on perks and privileges that are entitled to former Presidents.

Former Presidents had enjoyed excessive perks and privileges exceeding what had been granted by the Constitution, Acts and circulars, said President Dissanayake, adding that the NPP government recalled all perks and privileges enjoyed by them illegally.

"This is not political revenge. We will also take steps to amend laws and regulations to curtail perks and privileges that they are legally entitled to. We will introduce a mechanism where the former Presidents are required to apply for facilities such as residences from the government. If they want a residence from Colombo, they will need to apply for a residence from the government by filling an application where they need to mention reasons why they need such a residence," he said.