The government recently replaced Dr. Samarasinghe with Prof. Ravindra Fernando as Chairman of NDDCB.

Subsequently, he had sought asylum in UK, Norway, Canada, Australia and US.

Speaking to 'Sri Lanka MIrror' on this regard, Dr. Samarasinghe said that although he was thrown out, other countries appreciated his work and therefore hoped that he would receive a positive response.

Dr. Samarasinghe said that he had decided to leave the country due to threats from politicians and their henchmen involved in the narcotics trade.

He added that he wouldn't met this fate if he too had done nothing except enjoyed the perks his post was entitled to.