Special programme to prevent illicit drug trafficking to be implemented; Welfare of Lankans in Philippines to be enhanced – President

Plans for an extensive programme to prevent illicit drug trafficking in Sri Lanka  is to be implemented this year, President Sirisena told Sri Lankans living in the Philippines.

The President's Media Division in a statement said  the President made these remarks during a meeting held with the Sri Lankan community living in Manila, yesterday (Jan 17). The President is on a five-day official visit to the Philippines on the invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Further President Maithripala Sirisena  has said necessary steps will be taken to enhance the welfare of Sri Lankans living in the Philippines, owing to the strengthened Sri Lanka- Philippines relations.

The Sri Lankan community, comprising students receiving higher education, professionals and persons  engaged in different occopations participated at this meeting and their issues were presented to the President during this event.

President Sirisena advised the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Philippines to discuss these issues including those of students in higher educational institutes  and issues related to visas faced by Sri Lankans living in the Philippines and to take measures to resolve these problems, the statement said.

The President expressed appreciation over the progress made by the Philippines in economic development and  praised the Philippines President and Government for its  commitment to the effort against illicit drug trafficking in the country.