Operation needed to eliminate drug menace- Hettige

Social problems that hindered the nation's development for over three decades are cropping up again with the elimination of terrorism, said Parliamentary Affairs Secretary to the President Kumarasiri Hettige.

Pointing out that the drug menace is one such scourge, he emphasized the need to launch an operation to protect the children from this, similar to the effort made in the eradication of terrorism.

Hettige said so addressing the seminar for parents and guardians of youths who are undergoing rehabilitation at the Mithuru-Mithuro Centre in Pelmadulla recently. He was invited as the Chief Guest of the joint seminar organized by Mithuru-Mithuro Director Ven Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Thera. Under this residential rehabilitation programme, 265 youths are being rehabilitated at five centres. This organization has rehabilitated over 500 youths since 1987.

Hettige added that under the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa a number of institutions have been set up to protect the children and youths from the drug menace. "Although some non-governmental organizations have shown their interest in tackling this issue, their activities are questionable. However, the Mithuru-Mithuro Organization, under the able leadership of Ven Bodhananda Thera is performing exemplary programme," he said. "His services to the future generation of this country should be appreciated," he added.

Hettige pointed out that with the introduction of the free market economy in 1977 the society underwent a great upheaval and the people were bent on earning money having sacrificed age old traditions. Terrorism also engulfed the nation for nearly three decades and the drug menace spread unnoticed, he said.

"The President introduced the Matata Tita programme to combat the drug menace and achieve rapid development. Drug addicts bring untold misery and chaos to society beginning from the household. Directing youths in the correct path is a prime duty of parents and elders," he added.

Hettige said that action should be taken to review constantly as to where the children and parents have gone wrong. Those who have gone astray, early in their life sometimes achieve phenomenal success once they are led in the correct path, he stressed. "Determination and uprightness, and the company of true friends and neighbours is important. Children are the wealth of the nation and they should be protected. Rehabilitating youths who are addicted to drugs is a meritorious act more than a duty and responsibility," Hettige emphasized.

Ven Kuppiawatte Bodhananda Thera stressed the need to be more responsible and careful when dealing with drug addicts in society.

He said that failure to direct such youths in the correct path would cost a lot to the family as well as the society.

The parents should cultivate better relations with their children so that they are prevented from associating with undesirable elements of the society, he said.

At this workshop and seminar, the rehabilitated youths, their parents and guardians exchanged views on their experiences and the future.

The office-bearers of the organization also participated.