The drug prevention national programme titled “Mathin Nidahas Ratak” programme was launched today by President Maithripala Sirisena. The President's office said that the aim of the programe is to achieve economic and social prosperity for Sri Lanka while accomplishing sustainable development goals. The President believes that the illegal drug trade, which has spread like a major menace, cannot be controlled only through taking illicit drugs into custody and that the time has come to eliminate the threat by implementing a broad attitude change. Marking the approach to this initiative, the whole nation will take the Bak Maha Divuruma (National Pledge to eradicate drug menace) to commit themselves to control and eliminate the illegal drugs. Its main function was held at Independence Square in Colombo under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena. Representatives of all religions, members of the government and opposition members of the Parliament, governors of the provinces, chief ministers and representatives attended the oath taking against drugs. This event was live streamed through electronic media, and was simultaneously telecast to institutions, public servants, school children and the general public. Pictures by Pradeep Dambarage [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="27689,27692,27691,27690"]