Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera participating in a drug prevention programme held at the Kurunegala District Secretariat recently, said that religious leaders and Civil Societies are duty bound to create an awareness and educate the younger generation on the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse.
Ven. Nalaka Thera requested religious leaders and members of Civil Societies to join forces to eliminate drug addiction among people, especially students and teachers.
He also requested the relevant authorities to submit periodic reports of the progress of drug prevention programmes.
Additional District Secretary G. A. Kithsiri said the country must be developed systematically so as to guide the younger generation on the correct path. The Government should do its best to discourage illicit liquor consumption which mainly affects the poor and downtrodden masses.
The drug prevention programme was organised by the Kurunegala Secretariat Buddhist Cultural Society.