The President said he would not hesitate to strictly implement legal provisions against drug dealers, irrespective of their social status.

President Sirisena made these remarks at the occasion to appoint veteran cricketer Kumar Sangakkara as Brand Ambassador of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board yesterday (Aug. 19) at the President’s Official Residence.

The President pointed out that the drug prevention program should pay special attention on children and should take effective measures to safeguard them from the drug menace. He said he would implement programs focusing on areas such as Jaffna, Batticaloa and Nuwara Eliya where the drug abuse is rampant.

Expressing his views, Kumar Sangakkara said that he will extend every possible support to eradicate the drug menace from the society which destroys the lives of the young people.

President Maithripala Sirisena handed over the appointment letter to Kumar Sangakkara as the brand ambassador for the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB). The Chairman of the NDDCB Dr. Nilanga Samarasinghe presented a special felicitation memento to the President for his commitment to create a drug-free Sri Lanka.

Dr. Samarasinghe also presented a book, which includes information on drug prevention programs in 100 days, to the President.

The members of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board, Kumar Sangakkara's wife and many others participated at the event.