Following an idea mooted by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Sri Lanka Navy recently initiated a series of awareness programmes to educate naval personnel about the growing drug menace and prevention of drug abuse. The programme is carried out under the supervision of Navy Provost Marshal, Captain Dhanesh Pathberiya.
The first stage of the programme was held at the auditorium of SLNS Nipuna on 11th and 12th February, covering the entire Southern Naval Command. Meanwhile, the next phase of this magnanimous initiative was held at the Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake Auditorium of SLNS Parakrama in Colombo today (26th February) with the attendance of a cross section of naval personnel attached to the Western Naval Command.
The programme was conducted by the Officer for Drugs Education and Information at the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Mr. Chamara Pradeep Karunarathna. The programme was attended by a large number of naval personnel.
The prime intention behind the organization of this programme by the Navy was to educate naval personnel about the reasons for drug addiction and preventive measures that can be taken to get rid of this for this harmful habit. Further, the programme help broaden knowledge with regard to the consequences of drug addiction, its social and economic impacts and health and personality issued attached to compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences
Pictures by Lalith Perera