Essay competition on HIV/AIDS

Sarath Malalasekera

The annual essay competition on prevention of HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse organised by the International Association of Lions Clubs - District 306-A2 will be held for the 17th time.

Colombo Plan Secretariat, Secretary General Patricia Yoon-Moi Chia and Consultant Tay Biabn How have extended their guidance and co-operation.

District Co-ordinator S. Ramachandran assisted by Regional Co-ordinator Richard Dissanayake, both of Lions Club Dehiwela North is organising this event under the leadership of District Governor 306 A2 S.K. Karunasekera.Attractive cash prizes are on offer for the first three winners in each medium- Sinhala, Tamil, and English (winner Rs. 10,000, first runners-up Rs. 5,000 and second runner-up Rs. 2,500, on each topic in addition to trophies and certificates. First three schools from which most number of entries are received too will get gift vouchers to purchase books or sports material.

Participation is open to all school children in the age of 15 to 19 years. The topics are "Our goal - A drug free Sri Lanka" and "HIV/AIDS- A killer in Disguise".

Essays should not exceed six A4 size pages (preferably on one side of the sheet) and not less than five pages.

They could be either hand written or typed. 2- Certification by the Principal is a must in respect of the date of birth and to the effect that the entry is the original work of the student concerned. 3- Name and address of the participating student (including residential address). 4- Participants can enter their essays on one topic or both but they should be separate entries.

Entries close on January 15 with the District Co-ordinator - (prevention of Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS), 12/3 Frances Road,Wellawatte, Colombo 6.