Colombo Plan Turns 74: Sri Lanka and U.S. Chart Bold Path Forward

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, emphasized the urgency of tackling the country’s drug crisis, describing it as a national emergency. He outlined a multi-pronged strategy led by President Anand Kumar Dissanayake, which includes:

-Institutional reforms across law enforcement and intelligence agencies
-Deployment of modern technology to dismantle drug syndicates
-Anti-corruption measures within the prison system
-Community-based rehabilitation and youth-focused awareness campaigns
-Engagement of temples, schools, and civil society to foster moral leadership

He was speaking at the 74th Anniversary of the Colombo Plan, commemorated in Colombo with the presence of diplomats, development partners, and representatives from member countries.

“This is not a challenge a country can tackle alone,” Herath stated, calling on the Colombo Plan to lead regional efforts in prevention, education, and rehabilitation.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung highlighted the United States’ partnership with the Colombo Plan in strengthening Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure.