Unite to eradicate drug menace, President appeals to South Asian leaders

President Maithripala Sirisena said that all South Asian leaders should work in unison to eradicate the drug menace which is a threat to the entire South Asian Region. President Sirisena who arrived in Male yesterday (July 26) to participate at the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Maldives as the Chief Guest, stressed this during the official meeting with Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom held at the President’s office of Maldives yesterday (July 26) evening. President Sirisena said his ambition is to initiate systematic programmes to increase local food production, environmental conservation as well as alleviation of drug menace during his tenure. The initial work on that regard has already been commenced, he said. President Sirisena, who arrived in the Presidential Secretariat of Maldives last evening, was cordially welcomed by the President of Maldives. Special Guard of Honor was also accorded in honour of President Sirisena. During the bilateral talks, the two state leaders promised to strengthen the Maldivian- Sri Lankan relationship. On this occasion when the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relationship, the attention was also paid on strengthening of economic and commercial relationships as well as exchanging of human resources between the two countries. Prior to that, a special discussion was held regarding the promoting cooperation in the health sectors between the two countries and it was decided to implement recommendations taken at that meeting. Further discussions were also held to promote cooperation in tourism. President Sirisena also held talks with the Maldivian President regarding fulfilling of his duties and responsibilities as the Commonwealth Chairman-in-Office. Both leaders agreed to further enhance the relationship with the UN. The President Sirisena commend the support being given to Sri Lanka by Maldives at international forums and the Maldivian President also assured their support to Sri Lanka in international fora in the future too.