Mar 16, Colombo: Health Minister of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena says the much-delayed National Drug Policy would be implemented by May this year.

He said the implementation of the policy had been delayed due to actions of the 'drug mafia' in the country and the red tape in the state sector. The policy would be passed in parliament before this May, he added.

According to the Minister, the Health Ministry had attempted to implement the National Drug Policy for the past three decades, but had been delayed due to actions by some influential persons in the drug trade.

The Minister assured that he would somehow move forward with the Policy and ensure its implementation despite obstacles posed by some drug importers, distributors and government officials.

The implementation of the National Drug Policy would be a mark of respect to the many persons who had toiled to formulate it and get it implemented, Sirisena said.