Defence Secretary Genenral Kamal Gunaratne said that children should be duly guided and prevented from falling prey to drugs, unnecessary affairs, misuse of mobile phones and social media and added that over 3,000 such cases are under investigation now. “Legal action has been taken against 70 such cases during the last month alone,” he said.
He also said that directions pertaining to creating awareness among children and youth in this regard have been given to the Inspector General of Police.
The Defence Secretary was awarding certificates for winners of the Art and Essay Competition held on December 17 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo.
The Art and Essay Competition by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) was held in line with the School Based Drug Prevention Programme-2021 where nearly 1,000 schoolchildren were present.
NDDCB Chairperson Dr. Priyangi Amarabandu welcomed the Defence Secretary – the Chief Guest.
The Defence Secretary witnessed the Arts Exhibition, which consisted of creations by students under the theme, ‘Prosperous country – Secured generation of children’ and had a meaningful interaction with the children as well
General Kamal Gunaratne recalled his childhood experience. He also commented on the challenges faced by the children and the environment available for them to lead their lives.
The Defence Secretary highly appreciated the expertise demonstrated by the children while giving a piece of advice to the children to lead a better life free of drugs.
The maiden copy of the compilation of arts and essays of the children was also presented to the Defence Secretary, which was also launched on the NDDCB website.
Education Ministry Additional Secretary H.U. Premathilake, National Security and Disaster Management State Ministry Senior Assistant Secretary Kashuni Liyanage, National Library Chairman Sonala Gunawardena, Assistant Secretary Malsha Munasinghe, Director Narcotics SSP Samantha Wijesekera, Sri Lanka Foundation Chairperson Champika Amarasekera and NDDCB Officials were present.
COURTESY DAILYNEWS
