Government prepares to mark first anniversary of ‘Ratama Ekata’ anti-drug campaign, with new rehabilitation centres planned across all 25 districts
By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lanka plans to introduce specialised scanners at its ports to detect narcotics concealed inside shipping containers, as authorities step up efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks exploiting cargo shipments, courier services and the postal system to smuggle illegal substances into the country.
Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala has told the media that the Government was preparing to acquire the scanners as part of its wider campaign against drug trafficking under the national anti-drug programme, Ratama Ekata. “We are planning to introduce scanners very soon to detect drugs hidden inside shipping containers. The Government is determined to take every possible step to stop drug trafficking and protect our country from this threat,” he said.
The proposed investment comes amid continuing concerns over narcotics entering Sri Lanka through commercial cargo shipments, despite raids, arrests and drug seizures carried out by law enforcement agencies.
In August, authorities detected a large consignment of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”, concealed among a shipment of bath towels inside a container at the Colombo Port, highlighting the challenge of identifying illicit cargo moving through legitimate trade channels.
Shipping containers, courier services under scrutiny
The Government’s planned introduction of scanners reflects growing concern that traffickers are exploiting multiple entry points to bring drugs into the country.
Wijepala has said shipping containers were only one of several channels being used, with drug consignments also being sent through courier services and the Central Mail Exchange.
“We have to look at all the ways drugs are brought into the country. We are working with the relevant institutions to strengthen checks and take wider action against those involved in drug trafficking,” he has said.
The proposed scanners are expected to strengthen the capacity of authorities to identify suspicious cargo and detect concealed narcotics. Their effectiveness, however, will depend on the equipment acquired, screening procedures and coordination among agencies responsible for port security and customs enforcement.
The initiative also highlights the need to balance more rigorous inspections with the efficient movement of legitimate imports and exports through Sri Lanka’s ports.
As traffickers seek to conceal narcotics among ordinary commercial goods, authorities face the challenge of identifying high-risk shipments without unnecessarily disrupting legitimate trade.
‘Ratama Ekata’ enters second year
The scanner initiative comes as the Government prepares to mark the first anniversary of Ratama Ekata, its national anti-drug programme launched on October 30, 2025.
Implemented under the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, the programme aims to coordinate government institutions in tackling drug trafficking and reducing drug abuse.
The Government’s approach combines enforcement measures against traffickers with efforts to address addiction through rehabilitation and prevention.
As the programme completes its first year, the planned website is expected to provide information about its activities and initiatives, offering a central platform for communicating progress and developments.
However, the continuing detection of substantial drug consignments underlines the scale of the challenge facing law enforcement agencies and the importance of strengthening the systems used to intercept narcotics before they reach local markets.
Rehabilitation centres planned across 25 districts
Alongside tougher enforcement, the Government is seeking to expand rehabilitation facilities to improve access to treatment for people affected by drug addiction.
Wijepala has said the Government was working towards establishing rehabilitation facilities across all 25 districts, with buildings already identified in Kurunegala, Akuressa, Ampara, Mihintale, Valachchenai, Kalpitiya and Ahangama.
A specialised rehabilitation centre for children is also planned in Handessa, Kandy, he has said.
The proposed expansion is intended to provide more opportunities for people struggling with addiction to receive assistance closer to their communities.
Access to rehabilitation is an important component of the Government’s strategy, particularly as efforts to disrupt drug supply need to be accompanied by measures addressing drug dependence and its social consequences.
The planned centre for children also signals an emphasis on protecting younger people from the harmful effects of drug use and providing specialised support for those who need it.
Wijepala has said the campaign extended beyond arrests and seizures to include prevention and recovery.
“Our fight against drugs is not only about arresting traffickers and seizing drugs. We must also help people overcome addiction and protect our children and young people from falling into this danger,” he has said.
Enforcement and prevention remain key challenges
Sri Lanka’s anti-drug efforts now face two interconnected challenges: preventing narcotics from entering the country and reducing the demand that sustains illegal drug markets.
The proposed port scanners are intended to strengthen the first line of defence by improving the detection of drugs concealed in cargo. Expanded rehabilitation facilities, meanwhile, are aimed at addressing the consequences of drug abuse and helping affected individuals recover.
The Government’s ability to deliver on these plans will depend on the timely acquisition and deployment of scanning equipment, effective cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the establishment of accessible, adequately resourced rehabilitation services.
As Ratama Ekata enters its second year, the Government is seeking to demonstrate that its campaign can move beyond raids and seizures towards a broader strategy combining border controls, institutional coordination, prevention and treatment.
The next phase will test whether these measures can translate into stronger detection of drug consignments, disruption of trafficking networks and improved support for communities affected by drug abuse.
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