Politicians should set good examples - Health Minister

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

There are no drug barons and liquor businessmen in my political career and no such person has ever sought my assistance to escape from the law because they know I will never save them, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Addressing the National Mental Health Forum at the BMICH, Colombo yesterday Minister Sirisena said that it is the politicians who should set examples to the country by not supporting drug kingpins and liquor businessmen.

There are instances where law enforcement officers were prevented from performing their duties by politicians.

Minister Sirisena said there were instances where police officers left all the goods they took into custody from drug barons and illicit liquor businessmen.

It is the provincial and regional politicians who should support to implement Mathata Thitha (Full stop to drugs and alcohol) concept introduced to the country by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. No matter who does what type of offence, it should be considered as an offence.

The latest trend of promoting alcohol is talking about consuming a moderate amount of liquor.

This is sometimes done by scholars, intelligent people and the media.

It is the responsibility of the Government and the public to stop anti-social elements from destroying the future of young school children, Minister Sirisena pointed out.

Minister Sirisena stated that controlling drugs and liquor is a very complicated task. Consumption of legally sold liquor goes up when controlling illicit liquor sales.

It is similar to stepping on one side of a coconut branch. As soon as you step on one side the other side goes upwards.

The society should be educated on the ill effects of using alcohol.