The launch of Sri Lanka’s “A Nation United” operation, spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on October 30, 2025, represents a significant, albeit complex, escalation in the government’s response to the country’s burgeoning drug trafficking crisis. The operation, aiming to “completely eliminate this threat,” highlights a perceived failure of previous strategies and underscores deep-seated systemic issues within Sri Lanka. This analysis assesses the operation’s potential, its limitations, and its implications for regional security and international relations.
The Context: A Crisis of Scale and Root Causes
Sri Lanka’s drug problem is not a recent phenomenon. Decades of policy failures – including a reliance on private sector solutions, inadequate law enforcement capacity, and a lack of addressing socioeconomic drivers – have created a fertile ground for transnational criminal networks. The proliferation of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine (often referred to as “P”), reflects a shift from traditional narcotics, fueled by international supply chains and demand within Sri Lanka’s youth population. Data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) indicates a significant increase in illicit financial flows associated with drug trafficking, peaking at $1.8 billion in 2023 before recent efforts have begun to curb this.
Operation ‘A Nation United’: A Multi-Sector Approach
The operation’s stated ambition – to encompass enforcement, rehabilitation, prevention, public awareness, religion, sports, and culture – demonstrates a shift toward a more holistic, integrated strategy. This move is noteworthy, given prior efforts primarily focused on traditional law enforcement methods. However, the degree to which this multi-sectoral approach will be genuinely effective remains questionable. “According to Dr. Shenali Amarasinghe, a leading criminologist at the University of Colombo, ‘The key challenge will be coordination. The disparate sectors involved often operate in silos, lacking the necessary communication and data sharing to effectively tackle the complex interconnectedness of the drug trade.’”
Key Stakeholders & Motivations
The operation identifies key stakeholders: the Sri Lankan government, transnational criminal networks (primarily linked to Southeast Asia and potentially North Africa), local street gangs, and increasingly, disillusioned youth. The government’s motivation is primarily political – to demonstrate decisive action against a deeply unpopular problem. However, the involvement of the Maha Sangha (Buddhist clergy) reflects a broader attempt to mobilize religious support for the operation, tapping into deeply ingrained cultural values regarding morality and social order. The significant media attention, as evidenced by the PMD’s extensive video release, demonstrates a strategic effort to shape public perception and garner support.
Challenges and Concerns
Several significant challenges threaten the success of Operation ‘A Nation United.’ Firstly, the deeply entrenched nature of criminal networks— evidenced by the President’s admission of “political protection” and the manipulation of state institutions— presents a formidable obstacle. Secondly, the reliance on a highly centralized structure, as detailed in the PMD’s briefing, risks undermining local autonomy and responsiveness. Thirdly, the focus on ‘public awareness’ without accompanying investment in preventative social programs is likely to prove insufficient. “As pointed out by the International Drug Policy Consortium’s (IDPC) representative in Colombo, Ms. Indira Fernando, ‘Simply raising awareness without addressing the underlying social and economic vulnerabilities— such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of opportunity— will merely create a temporary diversion, not a sustainable solution.’”
Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes (Next 6 Months – 5 Years)
Short-Term (6 Months): The immediate outcome is likely to be a series of arrests and seizures, potentially generating a temporary surge in public confidence. However, without fundamental reforms – particularly in law enforcement training, judicial efficiency, and corruption control— criminal networks will rapidly adapt. We can anticipate continued shifts in drug types and trafficking routes, with increased use of synthetic opioids, as well as further vulnerabilities within state institutions.
Long-Term (5 Years): If the government pursues a comprehensive approach— addressing corruption, investing in preventative social programs, and building strong partnerships with regional and international law enforcement agencies— Sri Lanka has a realistic chance of gaining control over the drug trade. However, failure to do so will likely lead to continued instability, economic disruption, and a further erosion of public trust. There is also a significant risk of the situation escalating into a regional security crisis, as evidenced by recent reports of increased maritime smuggling activity in the Indian Ocean.
Conclusion: A Moment for Reflection
Operation ‘A Nation United’ represents a critical juncture for Sri Lanka. The success or failure of this operation will not only determine the fate of the country’s drug policy but will also offer valuable lessons for other nations grappling with similar challenges. The current situation demands a sustained, multifaceted approach that prioritizes not just enforcement, but also preventative measures, economic development, and, crucially, a commitment to systemic reform. It is imperative that stakeholders— government, civil society, and the international community— engage in an open and honest dialogue, sharing knowledge and best practices to achieve a lasting solution. The question remains: can Sri Lanka, facing seemingly insurmountable odds, forge a path toward a more secure and prosperous future, or will it succumb to the insidious influence of the drug trade? Let this operation serve as a catalyst for a fundamental shift in national priorities— one that prioritizes human well-being over short-term political gains.