Over 500 Catholic Clergy Join Interfaith Call for Drug-Free Sri Lanka

More than 500 Catholic priests and religious joined Buddhist monks, Hindu leaders, Muslim representatives and other religious leaders at a national interreligious conference in Colombo on November 5, calling for collective action to combat drug abuse and protect younger generations.

The gathering, held at Temple Trees, the official residence of Sri Lanka’s president, took place in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and marked the first anniversary of the government's national initiative, “A Whole Country Together,” aimed at addressing drug abuse and its impact on individuals, families and communities.

The conference brought together representatives of different religious traditions to emphasize shared responsibility in tackling drug addiction, drug trafficking and their social consequences.

Participants called for closer cooperation among government institutions, religious communities, civil society organizations and families, stressing that building a drug-free society requires more than law enforcement and must include education, prevention, awareness and rehabilitation.

Catholic priests attending the conference expressed concern over the growing threat of drugs, particularly among young people, and urged stronger efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

Fr. James Jenistan OMI described drug abuse as one of the most serious challenges facing the country, warning that its consequences extend beyond individuals to destroy families, damage communities and endanger the future of younger generations.

He called on religious leaders, government agencies and citizens to recognize their shared responsibility in addressing the crisis and working toward a drug-free Sri Lanka.

Fr. Singer OMI highlighted the vulnerability of young people to addiction, emphasizing that punishment alone would not resolve the problem. He called for greater investment in education, awareness programs, family support and opportunities for young people.

He also underscored the responsibility of religious institutions to guide and empower young people through moral formation and community engagement.

Fr. Jude raised concerns about the scale of drug trafficking, noting that authorities had seized narcotics worth millions of Sri Lankan rupees during the past year. He questioned how much more could be entering the country and reaching communities undetected, calling for stronger measures to prevent trafficking and protect future generations.

The participation of religious leaders from different faith traditions reflected a shared commitment to addressing a social crisis that affects families and communities regardless of religious background.

The conference concluded with a renewed appeal for interreligious cooperation and sustained public participation in the national effort to combat drug abuse.

Through their participation, Catholic clergy and other religious representatives reaffirmed the role of faith communities in raising awareness, supporting affected families and promoting a safer and healthier society.