Under the theme of "A Drugs-Free Tomorrow - A Healthy Country", the Samurdhi Flag Week, organized by the Samurdhi Development Department under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment in conjunction with the International No Tobacco Day falling on May 31st every year, began on June 01, 2026. It was held at the premises of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs under the patronage of the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Mr. Upali Pannila, and the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananda Wijepala.

At that time, the first flag was placed on Minister Ananda Wijepala by Minister Upali Pannila, while the Director General of the Samurdhi Development Department, Mr. Dammika Muthugala, placed the flag on Minister Upali Pannila.

In parallel with the national campaign to eliminate toxic substances, "Ratama Ekata" program, it has been planned to implement this year's Samurdhi Flag Week as a joint program with all ministries including the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, by going door to door to educate the public about the elimination of toxic substances.

On this occasion, the Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Mr. Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Ms. Nalika Piyasena, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. C.D. Kalu Arachchi, Director General of the Department of Samurdhi Development, Mr. Dammika Muthugala and a group of ministerial officials were present.