Sri Lanka, Nov. 5 -- A total of 11,970 individuals aged 21 and below were arrested in connection with drug trafficking during the 2025-2026 period, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed, warning that the drug menace is destroying the country's younger generation.

Addressing an event held today (05) to commemorate the first anniversary of the "Nation United - National Drive" (Ratama Ekata) drug eradication programme, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented statistics on arrests involving children and young people.

According to the President, 10,889 individuals aged between 18 and 21, 1,068 aged between 14 and 18, and 13 children aged between 5 and 14 were arrested during the period.

He further revealed that 50 schoolchildren ...