October 05, Colombo (LNW): A coordinated four-level community network has been established across Sri Lanka as part of a broader effort to curb drug abuse and promote a drug-free environment for the younger generation, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said.
Speaking at an event in Mawathagama, the Minister said the initiative brings together the National Council for Drug Prevention, District Councils, Regional Operations Committees and Public Security Committees under a connected framework.
According to the Minister, linking these bodies at national, district, regional and community levels is intended to strengthen cooperation in identifying and addressing drug-related issues before they become more deeply rooted in society.
He said the initiative would also encourage greater involvement from local communities in preventing substance abuse, particularly among young people, while improving coordination between the various institutions involved in the campaign.
The Government’s approach places greater emphasis on prevention and community-level intervention, with the four-tier structure expected to provide a wider network for responding to emerging drug-related concerns.
The Minister made the remarks while participating in a public event in Mawathagama, where the importance of collective action in protecting young people from the consequences of drug abuse was highlighted.
