Certain parties, who did not heed to the concerns of the society to formulate stronger and tougher laws to eradicate terrorism in the aftermath of tragic incidents that took place on April 21st, are now in a rush to bring laws to repeal the death punishment, President Maithripala Sirisena has said.

President Sirisena, addressing a gathering yesterday (02) at Sir John Central College in Kurunegala, said that most of the world leaders do not take action against drug kingpins due to the latter’s’ influence on geopolitics.

He emphasized the initiatives he took against this menace despite threats will not be revoked at any cost.  

Drug dealers, who are strengthened by politicians levelling accusations against him, President Sirisena said adding that he will not be discouraged in the battle to safeguard the future generation of this country.

The event was held to present awards and certificates to the winners of the inter-school competition in North Central Province held under the theme of prevention of drugs.

Competitions were held in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages in the categories of prose, poem, short stories, debating, short drama, essay and art at school, zonal and district levels, the PMD said.

1036 winners received their awards and certificates from the President.

State Minister Ashoka Abeysinghe, Members of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara, S. B. Navinna and Shantha Bandara, former Ministers Athula Wijesinghe, Dharmasiri Dassanayake, Champika Ramanayake, General Secretary P. M. B. Sirisena, Director Education in North Central Province Vijitha Banadaranayake, Principals, teachers, students and parents were also present.