Help eliminate drug abuse - PM appeals

L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka appealed to all segments of the society specially the media for their unstinted support to eliminate the scourge of drug abuse in Sri Lanka.

Addressing a special media briefing at his office he said the "Mathata Thitha" national campaign of the government has set its target for the complete elimination of drug abuse.

"All sections of the society should get together to protect the youth and the workforce, the two principal assets of the country from the rampant drug and illicit liquor menace. The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the rules and regulations enforced by the government agencies alone cannot achieve the targets without having the fullest cooperation of the patriotic citizens, he reiterated.

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board chairman D. P. Mendis said that NDDCB plans to launch a special program islandwide to raise awareness on the dire need to wipe out the drug menace to coincide with the International Anti Drug Day 2009 which falls on June 26. He emphasised the grave responsibility on the part of the media to protect the youth in its anti drug publicity campaign.

He said that the Poisons Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance which is enforced since 1929 should be amended to cater to the demands of a rapidly changing society.

A draft had already been prepared in this connection and it will be presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Inter National Anti-Drug Day, he said.

Additional secretary, Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order Jagath Wijeweera, DIG Sisira Mendis, Commissioner General of Excise D. G. M. V. Hapuarachchi NDDCB Executive Director K. Gamage also participated at the media briefing.