The Buddhist clergy from across the country at a press conference at the Alan Manthiniyarama, Kirulapone vowed to defend Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from those who seek to dislodge them from their pivotal roles in the Yukthiya (Justice) anti-drug operation.
Chief Incumbent of the Alan Methiniyaramaya, Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera said that if any forces are trying to dislodge Public Security Minister Alles and Acting IGP Tennakoon, the Maha Sangha from across the country from all 25 districts will come to the fore to prevent it.
“We see it as our duty to strengthen the Yukthiya operation and to ensure its continuity without making any disruption to stop its flow,” Ven. Dhammaloka Thera said.
The press conference witnessed the presence of around 100 members of the Maha Sangha, including Viharadhipathi Theras, Nayaka Theras, and Anunayaka Theras from Trincomalee, Ampara, Moneraragala, Gampaha, and Galle. The gathering included Ven. Prof. Induraagaare Dhammarathana Nayaka Thera from the Kelaniya University’s Sanskrit and Eastern Studies Department, Ven. Prof. Itthademaliye Indasara Nayaka Thera, Deputy Principal of Colombo Lumbini College, Ven. Divithure Samantha Thera, Ven. Yogiyane Sobitha Anunayaka Thera and Ven. Kegalle Rathanasara Thera.
Prof. Itthademaliye Nayaka Thera said that Yukthiya has been one of the most successful programs carried out in Sri Lanka under the leadership of Public Security Minister Alles and Acting IGP Tennakoon.
“We see that the Yukthiya as a program, has only not dealt with the narcotic drug menace, but also other crimes such as theft, burglary and sexual abuse of women in public transport buses. The program has brought about social transformation,” he said.
“The Yukthiya program has seen an evolution in crime prevention. It has helped defend more social terrain as with the development and the evolution of it to other aspects,” the Thera said.
“We have unanimously decided that we as bhikkhus should, and will support the Yukthya operation. The operation should go on, and it should not stop,” he said. Colombo Lumbini College’s Deputy Prinicipal Ven. Divithure Samantha Thera said that it will be essential to arrest not just the small drug dealers, but the bigwigs in this illegal trade. “I am pleased to say at last, we see some signs that this is happening in this country. Therefore, the Yukthiya Operation must go on,” he said.
Ven. Samantha Thera highlighted the importance of targeting not only small-scale drug dealers but also prominent figures in the illegal trade. He commended the positive changes brought about by the Yukthiya operation, particularly in school environments, where classrooms were once tainted by drug-related paraphernalia.
Drug abuse has serious consequences, and it affects children and adults of all religions and communities. Therefore, no one should oppose the Yukthiya operation that has battled it successfully, he said.
Ven. Samantha Thera underscored the necessity of promoting individuals with seniority and proven results, adding, “If the Acting IGP has the seniority to hold the position of the IGP, and on account that he has shown results of his efforts, we have to promote such people to these positions so as to be able to move the country forward.”
