Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

National Drug Prevention Week to enhance awareness in every sector of the society

June 25, 2019

The National Drug Prevention Week from started on June 19 will continue until July 01. This was under the concept of President Maithripala Sirisena with the objective of further strengthening the drug prevention program in Sri Lanka and rallying all Sri Lankans for the program.

Policy and formulation and implementation of legislation under the drug prevention program are already being implemented island wide through three main themes: prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. A number of programs covering all the provinces have been planned to be launched during the week further strengthening the National Drugs Prevention program.

Nine major programs targeting drug rehabilitation will be implemented covering all the provinces during this week. Awareness programs on drug addiction and prevention, awareness programs for families, enlightening students of vocational training institutes, follow up on drug addicts after rehabilitation and directing to rehabilitation are planned to be implemented during the week.

The main task of this Prevention Week is to provide correct information to school children about addiction to smoking, alcohol and other narcotics and to minimize their exposure to them.

The Presidential Task Force on Drug Prevention has introduced the 1984 hotline for complaints about drug trafficking and organized crime. A number of special programs are to be carried out this week including display of posters and banners in public places for the rehabilitation program, distribution of leaflets on community correction and drug prevention, raids and joint operations by all police stations and special units in the island. The main event of the drug prevention week will be held at Sugathadasa Stadium on 1st July with the participation of President Sirisena.

Courtesy: pmdnews.lk