"I will take all possible steps to defeat terrorism and those who support it. We have lost thousands of lives with many maimed and the country’s economy ruined during the last two decades", President Mahinda Rajapakse said at ceremony held at the Temple Trees to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

"Today prisons are full of people convicted of drug related offences. When a drug addict was produced before the Magistrate, he pleaded guilty and pleaded with the judge to send him back the prison", the President noted adding that he knew the in and out of Prisons since he had also had been in remand prison.

"The security forces and the police have intensified their battle against terrorism, drug trafficking and the underworld. Today they have to pay with their lives for performing their legitimate duty. Major General Parami Kulatunge is one of those unfortunate victims of the terror campaign perpetrated by the LTTE against the security forces and police," President added.

President hailed the Mithuru Mithuru Circle headed by Ven Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda for carrying out a rehabilitation project over the years for those addicted to dangerous drugs.