President Maithripala Sirisena called on South Asian leaders to cooperate in collective programmes to eradicate the drug menace. He said that the spread of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the most dangerous threat to the youths in the region and it requires constant attention and the utmost vigilance to prevent smuggling and distribution of drugs.

Speaking to the delegates attending the 8th Meeting of the SAARC Ministers of Law and Order (Interior / Home Affairs), who called on him at his official residence in Colombo on July 12, the President said the drug menace had caused irreparable damage to the society.

During the discussion, the President recalled a meeting he had with the family of a child who was killed in crossfire between a group of drug smugglers fired and officers of the Police Narcotic Bureau recently.   

SAARC Secretary General Amjad Hussain B. Sial explained to the President about the progress of the first two days of official meetings. 

He said that in addition to the decision on exchange of information on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances smuggling, the officials, during the discussions, agreed to issue an electronic stamp on the passport of selected people for visa-free travel between SAARC countries.

Minister Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary Jagath P Wijeweera and Heads of Delegates from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan were present at the event.

The SAARC Meeting is organized by the Ministry of Law, Order and Southern Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs.