Islandwide programs to mark drug abuse prevention week from June 26 to July 2

SEVERAL programs and projects are being launched by Government Departments, Agencies and non-governmental organisations islandwide to educate the civil society as well as strict enforcement of laws to combat the drug abuse problem during the Drug Abuse Prevention Week 2005 from June 26 to July 2 to coincide with the UN, declared International Drug Abuse Prevention Day which falls on June 26.

These programs co-ordinated and directed by the Ministry of Public Security, Law and order will be carried out by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Police Department, Excise Department, Customs Department, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Prisons Department, non-governmental organisations and religious organisations.

Anti drug walks, street dramas, demonstrations, exhibitions, poster campaigns, public meetings and discussions on drug abuse problem specially targeting the younger generation is to be launched with the participation of schoolchildren and civil society organisations.

Special programs are to be launched through the print and electronic media.

The main function to commemorate the week will be held at Pelen Gasthuduwa Junction Borella on June 26 at 9 a.m. under the patronage of Minister of Buddha Sasana, Public Security Law and Order and Deputy Minster of Defence Ratnasiri Wickramanayake with the participation of Secretary, Ministry of Public Security Tilak Ranaviraja and senior police officers and civil society organisations.

The event is being organised under the direction of Senior DIG Sirisena Herath. After the procession a meeting will be held.

The Minister will open a special exhibition presented by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the street play. An Anti Drugs Walk will commence at 10.45 a.m. from Pelen Gasthuduwa Junction Borella and proceed through Saravanamuttu Grounds at Wanathamulla and went its way to Fort Railway Station where a street play and a kavi maduwa will be held.

The highlights of the other programs are:

Police Department - Western Province : Blood donation and an eye donation camp at Welangasthuduwa Junction in Borella and a public meeting, Amarindu anti drug walk near the Fort station, awareness programs for schoolchildren, a bana sermon at 8.00 p.m. at Magazine road, Borella, and June 28 street dramas and short dramas.

Senior DIG Jayantha Wickremaratne has arranged awareness programs in Badulla, Moneragala, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Thanamalvila areas, islandwide poster campaign and special program on June 30.