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| Monday, 23 June 2003 |
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'Public support essential to tackle drug abuse' The 26th Day of June every year has been declared by the United Nations as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The world body has been observing the day since 1987 in view of the serious proportions the drug abuse problem has spread far across the globe causing moral and human degradation of life, states a message from John A. E. Amratunga Minister of Interior and Christian Affairs. Every year the United Nations underlines a topic and this year it has chosen the theme "Let's Talk About Drugs" to spotlight on the wide range of subjects and issues connected with problem of drug abuse. It is a well-known fact that the drug abuse problem has a linkage to a host of other problems like criminal acts, corruption, mental and physical health. Though some sections of society tend not to give the drug abuse problem the priority attitude it deserves it has to be stressed that it is the biggest threat the society faces today and if no timely action is taken by all concerned early, our society specially our youth will fall victim to drug peddlers. The seriousness of the situation is borne out by the fact that 44% of the present prison population comprise persons convicted of drug related offences all of whom have to be rehabilitated. My Ministry of Interior has been tasked with co-ordinating efforts at drug abuse enforcement, prevention as well as rehabilitation of drug addicts, in co-ordination with State and Non Governmental Organizations, Religious organizations have also organized a special vigorous programme of action during a "Drug Control Week" from June 23rd to June 29th coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse on June 26. The main purpose of the Anti Drug Week is to carry out an intensive public awareness campaign against dangers of drug abuse and inform how the public could co-operate with those engaged in tackling the problem. Such awareness programmes are being carried out throughout the island - in schools, community levels, villages, towns, workplaces, special meetings and study groups organized by the Police, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Prisons Department, Customs Department, State and Non-Governmental Organization. It is an accepted norm that drug peddlers operate in international cartels and highly organized rings. Sri Lanka is said to be a transit point for smuggling of drugs in this part of the world. As such law enforcement aspect has to be further strengthened with greater vigilance displayed. The war against drug abuse would be a futile exercise if support of the general public would not be forthcoming. It is a well-known fact that the drug peddlers market their wares in the villages and towns in front of innocent youths. It is the bounden duty of the civic conscious citizens to expose such anti-social elements to law enforcement authorities so that they could be brought to book. |
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