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Narcotics Seizures Analysis
Total quantities of narcotics seized during the Ratama Ekata initiative.
Primary Sources
Construction and Concrete waste recycling centre opened in Ekala under ...
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to swiftly introduce all necessary reforms, including amendments to existing laws, in order to eliminate the drug menace from the country. The President issued these instructions while attending the meeting of the “Ratama Ekata” National Steering Council convened on Thursday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss efforts aimed at eradicating the drug menace. He also directed the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to expedite the process of destroying seized narcotics as quickly as possible under proper legal procedures, thereby preventing them from re-entering society and to accelerate the process of punishing offenders. The President emphasised the need to speed up this process in order to build public confidence, as well as the confidence of the teams engaged in operations, noting that the successful implementation of the “Ratama Ekata” national initiative would thereby be strengthened through collective participation. The progress of anti-narcotics operations carried out under the “Ratama Ekata” national initiative, including raids and arrests, was extensively reviewed at the meeting. Officials pointed out that raids related to narcotics had increased by 80% since the launch of the programme. Since the launch of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation on 30 October 2025, authorities have seized 5,437.457 kilogrammes of cannabis, 1,936.325 kilogrammes of heroin, 1,991.414 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”), 271.724 kilogrammes of cocaine, 1,574,895 narcotic pills, and 629,988 illicit cigarettes. A total of 168,460 suspects have also been arrested in connection with these offences. The current progress of the legal amendments required to eradicate the narcotics menace from the country was reviewed at the meeting, and it was noted that steps had been taken to submit the Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill No. 54 of 2007 to the Cabinet in due course. Discussions were also held regarding the rehabilitation process, the strategies that could be adopted in that regard, and the measures taken to develop related facilities. It was further revealed that, at Divisional Secretariat level, 25 families most severely affected by narcotics in each division had been selected for attitude development programmes. The President stressed the importance of implementing all such programmes through local religious centres. The President also made clear that anti-drug awareness prog...
Sri Lanka Construction: Building Sustainable Future
Sri Lanka's construction industry stands at a pivotal crossroads, where traditional building practices meet the urgent need for environmental sustainability. As the nation rebuilds and modernizes its infrastructure, the construction sector must evolve to address climate challenges while supporting economic growth. This transformation requires innovative approaches, sustainable materials, and forward-thinking policies that will shape the country's built environment for generations to come. Current State of Sri Lanka's Construction Sector The construction industry has historically served as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's economic development, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. From major infrastructure projects like highways and ports to residential developments and commercial buildings, construction activities have shaped the nation's physical landscape. However, recent economic challenges and environmental concerns have highlighted the need for a more sustainable approach to building and development. Traditional construction methods in Sri Lanka have often relied heavily on imported materials and energy-intensive processes. This dependency has created vulnerabilities in supply chains and increased project costs, particularly during periods of economic instability. The industry now faces pressure to adopt more resilient and environmentally conscious practices that can withstand future challenges. Sustainable Building Materials and Technologies The shift toward sustainability begins with reimagining the materials and technologies used in construction. Sri Lanka possesses abundant natural resources that can be transformed into eco-friendly building materials. Bamboo, coconut coir, and recycled timber offer viable alternatives to conventional materials while supporting local economies and reducing carbon footprints. Innovative technologies such as compressed earth blocks, green concrete made with rice husk ash, and solar-integrated building systems are gaining traction among progressive developers. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also provide better thermal performance, leading to reduced energy consumption in completed buildings. Local manufacturers are increasingly investing in research and development to create sustainable alternatives to imported construction materials. This shift not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens the domestic supply chain and reduces foreign exchange dependencies. Gree...
Forces engage in clearing paddy warehouses under 'Clean Sri Lanka ...
In line with the ongoing 'Clean Sri Lanka' national programme, implemented under the guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a government initiative is set to be launched to purchase the paddy harvest of the Maha season. Following the purchase, the government plans to store the paddy stocks ...
Sri Lanka, Sustainable Development Goals - statistics.gov.lk
Target 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse 12.5.1 National recycling rate, tons of material recycled
