To protect schoolchildren:

Stern action against drug peddlers

Rasika SOMARATHNA and Dhanushka GODAKUMBURA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa Saturday alerted relevant authorities to the dangers posed by drug peddlers, near school premises.

He told authorities to take stern action to prevent such happenings.

Law enforcement officials, teachers, parents and politicians should be aware of the dangers and should make a combined effort to protect schoolchildren, he added.

He directed Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga to come out with an effective plan to combat the menace.

The President noted the above during the development progress review meeting of the Western Province held in Panadura.

He brought forth to the notice of the gathering the information he had received from the public in this regard.

The President laid special emphasis on the Gampaha and Colombo districts.

The President on the occasion also requested from the relevant officials a report on schools that have been closed down in the Western Province.

He instructed administrative officials not to allow the use of school playgrounds for other purposes.

All dilapidated School buildings in Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha should be renovated and used, he added.