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| Friday, 13 June 2003 |
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by Sarath Malalasekera The National Drug Control awards - 2003 - to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking will be held at the Central Bank Centre for Banking Studies Auditorium, Rajagiriya on June 26, said National Dangerous Drugs Control Board Chairman Prof. Ravindra Fernando at a media conference held yesterday. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated every year on June 26 to commemorate the signature of the Declaration adopted at the International Conference against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in 1987, Prof. Fernando said. Every year a different theme for the day is also determined. This year's theme is "Lets talk about Drugs", United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in his message states that this year's theme underlines the need for children, families, peers, teachers and communities to talk about drug abuse, admit that it is a problem and take responsibility for doing something about it. Prof. Fernando emphasised that nations around the world observe this day as part of their efforts to raise public awareness about fighting drug abuse and to promote preventive measures. Interior and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunge has declared the week from June 26 to June 29, 2003 as "Drug Control Week". Minister Amaratunge appointed a committee to co-ordinate and organise a series of drug control activities for this week to be conducted by the Departments of Police, Customs, Excise and Prisons and the Ministry of Education and the Federation of Non Governmental Organisations Against Drug Abuse and religious organisations. One of the highlights of this year's activities will be issuing of a stamp and first day cover, Prof. Fernando added. The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board as the focal point for drug control in Sri Lanka, is organising a ceremony for the presentation of drug control awards with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest on June 26 at Central Bank's Centre for Banking Studies Auditorium, Rajagiriya. These awards will be pesented to teams, units and individuals from government agencies such as the Police, Customs, Excise, the Three Forces and non Governmental organisations, community and religious groups and private sector institutions, in recognition of the commendable contributions made by them during the year 2002, towards the prevention and control of drug abuse in the country, the NDDCB Chairman said. In recognising the efforts of these organisations, Prof. Fernando said that the NDDC Board hopes to encourage and motivate them to continue their efforts until its goal of a drug free society is reached. NDDCB Executive Director Y. Ratnayake explained in detail about the activities of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board. Interior Ministry Assistant Secretary H.P. Sumanasekera set out the plans for the 'Drug Control Week' organised by Minister John Amaratunge. NDDCB Deputy Director Karunadasa Gamage also addressed the conference. |
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