Colombo: Sri Lanka will commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 with a series of national and district-level awareness programmes aimed at promoting a drug-free society. The programmes will be organized by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, the ‘A Nation United’ Operation Council, Sri Lanka Police, the National Youth Services Council, the Department of Government Information, and several other stakeholder institutions.
According to News.LK, observed annually on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen global action against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This year’s theme, ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,’ highlights the need for collective efforts to address emerging drug-related threats whi
le strengthening prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation initiatives.
A National Commemoration Parade is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 26, from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m., from Chaittya Road to Kollupitiya Junction in Colombo. Ministers, senior government officials, representatives of law enforcement agencies, youth volunteers, community leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the public are expected to participate. The parade will feature awareness messages, banners, posters, and cultural performances aimed at educating the public on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of prevention. Participants will also promote healthy lifestyles, community responsibility, and the protection of future generations from the dangers of drugs.
In parallel with the national event, drug prevention and awareness programmes will be conducted in 14 districts across the country through awareness campaigns, community-led activities, and educational initiatives. The NDDCB has invited the pub
lic to support the national effort to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking and contribute towards building a healthier, safer, and drug-free society.