Sri Lanka 2010 I. Summary Sri Lanka has a relatively small-scale drug problem.

The Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) remains committed to targeting drug traffickers and implementing nation-wide demand reduction programs. Since early 2005, the U.S. government has fostered a strengthened relationship with Sri Lanka on counternarcotics issues by offering training for the Sri Lanka Police. Sri Lanka is a party to the 1988 United Nations (UN) Drug Convention, ratifying key legislation domestically in October 2007. II. Status of Country Sri Lanka is not a significant producer of narcotics or precursor chemicals and plays a minor role as a transshipment route for heroin from India. GSL officials work to raise internal awareness of and vigilance against efforts by drug traffickers attempting to use Sri Lanka as a transit point for illicit drug smuggling. Domestically, officials are addressing a modest upsurge in domestic consumption, consisting of heroin, cannabis, and to a lesser extent, Ecstasy. III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 2009 Policy Initiatives. The lead agency for counternarcotics efforts is the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), headquartered in the capital city of Colombo. The GSL remains committed to ongoing efforts to curb illicit drug use and trafficking. In the past year, the PNB recruited more officers, resulting in increased investigations and interdictions, and deployed field officers in strategic locations along the coastal belts where drug trafficking is active. The PNB also conducted in-service counternarcotics training for police outside of the conflict-affected north and east and drug awareness programs in schools on a regular basis. Over the past year, 22 drug prevention and enforcement officials from Sri Lanka participated in regional training opportunities. Accomplishments. The PNB and Excise Department worked closely to target cannabis producers and dealers, resulting in several successful arrests. The PNB warmly welcomed and has been an active partner in taking full advantage of U.S.-sponsored training for criminal investigative techniques and management practices in the past. Sri Lanka continued to work with the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program, a regional organization, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on regional narcotics issues. The SAARC Drug Offense Monitoring Desk (SDOMD), located in Colombo within the PNB, continues to serve as a clearing house for SAARC countries to input, share, and review regional narcotics statistics. GSL officials maintain continuous contact with counterparts in India and Pakistan, origin countries for the majority of drugs in Sri Lanka. Law Enforcement Efforts. The PNB continued to cooperate closely with the Sri Lankan Customs Service, the Department of Excise, and the Sri Lankan Police to curtail illicit drug supplies entering into and moving through the country. As a result of these efforts, over the last 12 months GSL officials arrested 4,346 persons on charges of using or dealing heroin and 8,540 persons on cannabis charges. This represents an enormous drop from last years 9,825 and 33,848 arrests respectively, most likely a result of the GSLs single-minded effort to end the thirty-year war against the LTTE (Tamil Tigers). Police seized a total of 30 kilograms of heroin and 55,244 kilograms of cannabis during2009. There were arrests for narcotics offenses by the Police Narcotics Bureau,

local police, Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), Criminal Investigation Division(CID), Customs, Excise Department, Forest Department, Prisons Department, and the Navy. The PNB has one sub-unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, complete with operational personnel and a team of narcotics-detecting dogs. A Nepalese national was arrested at the airport in January attempting to smuggle 1 1/2 kilos of heroin from Thailand. In May a Pakistani man and three women were detected attempting to smuggle 284 packs of heroin concealed in condoms, which they had swallowed. In June, an Indian woman was detected attempting to smuggle in a large quantity of cocaine valued at Rs. 7 million. Corruption. The GSL does not, as a matter of policy, encourage or facilitate the illicit production or distribution of any controlled substances or the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions. A government commission established to investigate bribery and corruption charges against public officials that resumed operations in 2004 continued through 2009, although with little activity. There are unconfirmed reports of links between drug traffickers and individual corrupt officials. However, since late 2007, there have been no arrests of government officials on bribery or corruption charges related to drugs. Agreements and Treaties. Sri Lanka is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention and the 1990 SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Over the past year, Parliament passed amendments to the Convention Against Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act (No. 1, of 2008), and the Treatment and Rehabilitation Act (No. 54 of 2007) to provide for compulsory treatment. Sri Lanka is also a party to the 1961 UN Single Convention, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Sri Lanka is a party to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and has signed, but not yet ratified, the Protocol on Trafficking in Persons and the Protocol on Migrant Smuggling. Sri Lanka is also a party to the UN Convention against Corruption. An extradition treaty is in force between the U.S. and Sri Lanka. The GSL also signed an agreement with the Russian Federation to cooperate more closely on extradition cases. Cultivation/Production. Some cannabis is cultivated and consumed locally, but there is little indication that it is exported. The majority of cannabis cultivation occurs in the southeast jungles of Sri Lanka. PNB and Excise Department officials work together to locate and eradicate cannabis crops. One clandestine laboratory making synthetic drugs was raided in July 2008, but none since then. Drug Flow/Transit. The military defeat of the LTTE in May, 2009, may have changed the dynamics of the drug trade in Asia. Since 1983, the LTTE was involved in bulk delivery of heroin and cannabis from producing areas in Asia to consuming countries. Mumbai was the key link in the LTTE drug trade. While Sri Lankas coast remains highly vulnerable to transshipment of heroin moving from India, observers expect a dramatic reduction in drugrelated activity in the region, with the defeat of the LTTE. Police officials believe that the international airport is a major entry point for the transshipment of illegal narcotics through Sri Lanka. Police note that the Ecstasy found in Colombo social venues is believed to be imported from Thailand. Domestic Programs/Demand Reduction. The Police Narcotics Bureau, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), and several non government organizations (NGOs) are carrying out awareness and education programs at schools and for special populations. The Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association is working on minimizing risk factors leading to first-use of drugs, and is working on a platform of information technology for the

empowerment of youth populations on employability and parenting. This information would be available though the internet, and would be particularly adapted to the needs of Sri Lankan ex-pat workers and their families. The Presidential Unit on Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs advocates for enforcement tactics with a tilt towards absolute prohibition for the eradication of drugs. The NDDCB regularly conducted outreach among employee groups, school children and teachers, and community leaders. IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs Policy Initiatives. The United States Government (USG) remained committed to helping GSL officials develop increased capacity and cooperation for counternarcotics issues. The USG also continued its support of a regional counternarcotics program, including through the Colombo Plan, which conducts regional and country-specific training seminars, fostering communication and cooperation throughout Asia. The U.S. Coast Guard also provided training to Sri Lankan officers in the areas of International Crisis, Command and Control, as well as training in Seaport Security. Road Ahead. The U.S. government will continue its commitment to aid the Sri Lankan police in its transition to community-focused policing techniques. This will be accomplished with additional training assistance. The U.S. also expects to continue its support of regional training programs, like Colombo Plan. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) County Attach based in New Delhi visited Colombo in November 2009 to coordinate counternarcotics trafficking activities with the local police and the Embassy. The DEA attach also met with the Interagency Law Enforcement Working Group at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.

Sri Lanka-2009 I. Summary Sri Lanka has a relatively small-scale drug problem. The Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) remains committed to targeting drug traffickers and implementing nation-wide demand reduction programs. In early 2005, the U.S. government strengthened its relationship with Sri Lanka on counternarcotics issues by offering training for the Sri Lanka Police. Sri Lanka is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, ratifying key legislation in October, 2007. II. Status of Country Sri Lanka is not a significant producer of narcotics or precursor chemicals and plays a minor role as a transshipment route for heroin from India. GSL officials continue to raise internal awareness of and vigilance against efforts by drug traffickers attempting to use Sri Lanka as a transit point for illicit drug smuggling. Domestically, officials are addressing a modest upsurge in domestic consumption, consisting of heroin, cannabis, and increasingly Ecstasy. III. Country Actions against Drugs in 2008 Policy Initiatives. The lead agency for counternarcotics efforts is the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), headquartered in the capital city of Colombo. The GSL remains committed to ongoing efforts to curb illicit drug use and trafficking. The PNB recruited more officers, resulting in increased investigations and interdictions. In early 2006, a special court was established to try drug cases with minimal delays. The PNB also conducted inservice counternarcotics training for police outside of the conflict-affected north and east and drug awareness programs in schools on a regular basis. The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program, a regional organization, pledged its assistance to the government and non-government agencies in their efforts to combat illicit drugs. The program regularly provides advice relating to reducing the demand for drugs to NGOs and government

agencies including the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Customs, PNB and the Ministry of Social Welfare. Over the past year 34 drug treatment practitioners in Galle and an additional 28 in Colombo have been trained on preventing relapse for those in recovery. Three new drug treatment centers opened for female addicts in Nawadiganthaya, Urapola and Nittambuwa. Accomplishments. The PNB and Excise Department worked closely to target cannabis producers and dealers, resulting in several successful arrests. The PNB warmly welcomed and has been an active partner in taking full advantage of U.S.-sponsored training for criminal investigative techniques and management practices in the past. Sri Lanka continued to work with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on regional narcotics issues. SAARC countries met in Maldives in early 2004 and agreed to establish an interactive website for the SAARC Drug Offense Monitoring Desk, located in Colombo, for all countries to input, share, and review regional narcotics statistics. GSL officials maintain continuous contact with counterparts in India and Pakistan, origin countries for the majority of drugs in Sri Lanka. The SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SDOMD) is co-located within Colombo's PNB. The SDOMD Antidrug officials based in India and Pakistan regularly share information with the SDOMD, though other SAARC countries reportedly do not maintain such regular contact with the SDOMD desk. Law Enforcement Efforts. The PNB continued to cooperate closely with the Customs Service, the Department of Excise, and the Sri Lankan Police to curtail illicit drug supplies in and through the country. As a result of these efforts, over the last 12 months GSL officials arrested 9,825 persons on charges of using or dealing heroin and 33,848 persons on cannabis charges. Police seized a total of 30.5 kg of heroin. Police also seized 37,310 kg of cannabis from late 2007 through late 2008. In addition, in response to slowly increasing Ecstasy usage in upscale venues in Colombo, the PNB made six Ecstasy-related drug arrests. Apart from its Colombo headquarters, the PNB has one sub-unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, complete with operational personnel and a team of narcotics-detecting dogs. Greater vigilance by PNB officers assigned to the airport sub-station led to increased arrests and narcotics seizures from alleged drug smugglers. A planned new PNB substation at the Colombo port has not opened yet for lack of space. Corruption. The GSL does not, as a matter of policy, encourage or facilitate the illicit production or distribution of any controlled substances or the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions. A government commission established to investigate bribery and corruption charges against public officials that resumed operations in 2004 continued through 2008. There are unconfirmed reports of links between drug traffickers and individual corrupt officials. However, since late 2007, there have been no arrests of government officials on bribery or corruption charges related to drugs. Agreements and Treaties. Sri Lanka is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention and the 1990 SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Over the past year Parliament ratified conventions, passing the Drug Dependent Persons Treatment and Rehabilitation Act in October, 2007 and the Conventions Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic and Psychotropic Substance Act in 2008. Sri Lanka is also a party to the 1961 UN Single Convention, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Sri Lanka is a party to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and has signed, but not yet ratified, the Protocol on Trafficking in Persons and the Protocol on Migrant Smuggling. Sri Lanka is also a party to the UN Convention against Corruption. An extradition treaty is in force between the U.S. and Sri Lanka. A U.S.Sri Lanka extradition treaty has been in force since January 12, 2001. Cultivation/Production. Some cannabis is cultivated and used locally, but there is little indication that it is exported. The majority of cannabis cultivation occurs in the southeast jungles of Sri Lanka. PNB and Excise Department officials work together to locate and eradicate cannabis crops.

Drug Flow/Transit. Some of the heroin entering Sri Lanka is transshipped to other markets abroad, including Europe. In the last year, 10 Sri Lankans were arrested in India and the Maldives on drug charges. Sri Lanka's coast remains highly vulnerable to transshipment of heroin moving from India. Police officials state that the international airport is a major entry point for the transshipment of illegal narcotics through Sri Lanka. There is no evidence to date that synthetic drugs are manufactured in Sri Lanka. Police note that the Ecstasy found in Colombo social venues is likely imported from Thailand. Domestic Programs/Demand Reduction. The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) established task forces in each regional province to focus on the issue of drug awareness and rehabilitation at the community level. Each task force works with the existing municipal structure, bringing together officials from the police, prisons, social services, health, education and NGO sectors. The GSL continued its support, including financial, of local NGOs conducting demand reduction and drug awareness campaigns. IV. U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs Policy Initiatives. The USG remained committed to helping GSL officials develop increased capacity and cooperation for counternarcotics issues. The USG also continued its support of a regional counternarcotics program, which conducts regional and country-specific training seminars, fostering communication and cooperation throughout Asia. Towards that end, the U.S. Coast Guard provided residential training to Sri Lankan officers in the areas of International Crisis, Command and Control, as well as residential training in Seaport Security. Road Ahead. The U.S. government will follow up on its commitment to aid the Sri Lankan police in its transition to community-focused policing techniques. This will be accomplished with additional assistance for training. The U.S. also expects to continue its support of regional and country-specific training programs.