SJB backs anti-drug drive but slams Govt. over Customs scandal and politicised appointments

■MP Mujibur Rahman says Govt.'s efforts to eradicate drugs commendable ■Alleges President-appointed committee report on releasing 309 containers gathering dust ■Reveals plans on extending tenure of Customs DG despite several qualified senior officers in list ■Questions Govt.'s silence over release of two drug-laden containers ■Urges to reveal those responsible for clearing the containers and arrest them ■Accuses President of not ensuring merit-based public service appointments and appointing politically connected individuals as Secretaries, Ambassadors and senior bureaucrats ■Emphasises hypocrisy and double standards of NPP Govt. now fully exposed

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THE Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) commended the Government's ongoing anti-drug campaign and said it will support making the country a drug-free nation, but accused President Anura Kumara Disanayake's administration of politicising State sector appointments and protecting corrupt officials.

Addressing the media at the SJB headquarters, MP Mujibur Rahman said the SJB would fully support the national program to eradicate drugs and rescue the country's youth from addiction.

"The SJB is not opposing the Government's efforts to eradicate drugs. It is a good initiative, and we are ready to contribute to it," he said, questioning the Government on why it was turning a blind eye on the Customs scandal of releasing 309 containers while taking steps to extend the services of the officer who was alleged to have released the containers.

"President Disanayake was preaching to maintain independence, transparency, and the rule of law when he was in the Opposition, but today, he has breached all these when he is in power," Rahman said, claiming that the alleged release of 309 containers from Customs was done without inspection and the official accused of this had not only escaped investigation but was later appointed Director General (DG) of Customs.