The Drug Problem in Sri Lanka: Exposing the Role of Politicians in Preying on Young People
It is a disturbing reality that many politicians in Sri Lanka are willing to engage in unethical and inhumane tactics in order to win elections. In 2019, we witnessed the horrific consequences of this willingness to resort to violence when a series of bombings targeting Christian churches were revealed to have political motivations, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of innocent men, women, and children. Tragically, it seems that every time there is an upcoming election in Sri Lanka, there is a new threat that emerges, with candidates claiming to be the only ones who can protect the country.
However, it is often the case that the candidate themselves is responsible for the threat, using it as a means of manipulating the public and securing votes. This time, the threat being fabricated involves drugs and school children, with local news channels controlled by politicians or their supporters spreading false stories about school children as young as 13 being addicted to crystal meth, including a completely unbelievable claim that a 14-year-old girl consumed 25 grams of the drug in just 24 hours.
These tactics are reprehensible and should be condemned by all members of society. It is essential that the people of Sri Lanka stand up against such tactics and demand more ethical behavior from their politicians, including honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the country and its people. It’s frustrating and disheartening to see politicians using such deceitful and harmful tactics to further their own agendas. The use of fear and manipulation to influence public opinion is a tactic that has been used by politicians all over the world, and it’s tragic to see it happening in Sri Lanka as well.
But it’s not just the tactics themselves that are disturbing; it’s the fact that these politicians seem to have no qualms about using the younger generation as pawns in their quest for power. It is not a stretch to suggest that many of these politicians are involved in the drug trade themselves, and by turning young people into addicts, they not only profit from the sale of drugs, but they also create a new generation of dependents who will be more susceptible to manipulation and coercion.
The impact of these tactics on the people of Sri Lanka cannot be underestimated. The bombing attacks in 2019 caused widespread fear and trauma, and the spreading of false information about drug use among young people can only serve to further harm and stigmatize those who are struggling with addiction. It’s important to remember that addiction is a serious issue that requires compassionate and evidence-based approaches, not fear-mongering and misinformation.
As citizens of Sri Lanka, it is up to us to hold our politicians accountable and demand more ethical behavior from them. We can do this by supporting candidates who have a track record of honesty and integrity, and by speaking out against unethical behavior whenever we see it. It’s only by holding politicians accountable and demanding better from them that we can hope to create a more just and fair society. But it’s not just up to individuals to make this change. It’s also important for institutions and organizations to take a stand against these tactics. The media, for example, has an important role to play in fact-checking and exposing false information. Civil society organizations can also play a role in raising awareness about the impact of these tactics and advocating for change.
Ultimately, it will take a collective effort to create the kind of society that we want to see in Sri Lanka. It won’t be easy, and it will require patience and perseverance. But by standing together and demanding more from our politicians, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.
