Programme to create a righteous society

The Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Ministry has launched an active programme to create a righteous society with the participation of the public and the private sectors.

The Ministry on the initiative of Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has obtained Cabinet approval to proclaim 2006 as the year for building a society rich in moral and spiritual values and launch a national program to achieve this aim with the participation of all Ministries and Departments and institutions under their purview.

The launching of this programme will be held at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura under the patronage of Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka and Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said a press release issued by the Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Ministry yesterday.

The release added that all liquor shops and bars will also be closed on January 1 to symbolise the launching of this national program. This will be the first time all liquor shops and bars are closed throughout the country on a single day on theme of creating a society rich in moral and spiritual values.

The release added that according to recent surveys a large section of the people fritted away nearly Rs. 80 million daily on smoking. The Ministry has arranged to combat the smoking habit through a sale flags throughout the month of January and conducting public lectures, workshops and film shows in association with the NGOs.