Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) organized a Threat Lens on “Proliferation of Drugs, A Threat to National Security”
Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) held a ‘Threat Lens’ a close door roundtable discussion at the Ministry of Defence with the participation of a number of experts from the academic, diplomatic and security fields to discuss particular threats to Sri Lanka’s National Security. The Threat lens was titled “Proliferation of Drugs, A Threat to National Security” and was held at the main auditorium in the Ministry of Defence on 09th September 2020 from 1500hrs to – 1430hrs.
Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean and its closeness to the Indian peninsula has accelerated the proliferation of drugs making it a hub for drug trade during the recent years which has its repercussions on the National security of the country. Recent exposure of many cases of apprehensions of Heroin and other dangerous drugs at sea and within the land has become a grave concern to the government of Sri Lanka. Also, drug trafficking is often associated with other forms of crime, such as money laundering, terrorism and corruption.
The discussion by various stakeholders at this ‘Threat Lens’ comprehensively covered illicit drug trafficking, apprehensions, effects and other related issues that has become a threat to the national security and highlighted the importance of combating more effectively against this illicit drug trade.
The Threat Lens’ was chaired by Additional Secretary (Defence), Mr. P.B.S.C. Nonis and the guest speaker was DIG Waruna Jayasundara, Commandant, Sri Lanka Task Force. Other experts who contributed for this discussion were Dr. Laknath Welagedera, Chairman, National Dangerous Drug Control Board; Major General (Retd.) G. Vijitha Ravipriya, Director General of Sri Lanka Customs; Snr. DIG W.L.A.S. Priyantha, Crimes, Organized Crimes, Crimes Intelligence, Women & Child Abuse Prevention Bureau, Narcotics and Election Range; Mr. D.N.C Abenayake, Deputy superintendent of customs; Major General A S Hewawitharana RSP USP ndc IG, Director General Military Intelligence, Colonel Commandant, Military Intelligence Corps and Capt (G) SJ Kumara RSP & Bar USP BSc (DS). Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge RWP VSV USP nswc MSc (DS) Mgt MSc (NS & WS) MA (SSS), Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard; Mr. T.M.W.D. Tennakoon; Snr. DIG Western Province; DIG G.K.J. Aponsu, Police Narcotic Bureau; Mr. Kokila Sibera superintendent of Police, State Intelligence Service; Air Cdre MDJ Wasage and officers from Army, Navy, Air Force have shared their insights and experiences at this discussion.
By Udeshika Jayasekara
Research Assistant
Media Release of Institute of National Security Studies, Sri Lanka (INSSSL), premier think tank on National Security functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Defence.