Programme launched to create a drug-free nation

COLOMBO (News1st): Gama Hada Gamu, a programmme designed for the prevention of drugs at rural level, was initiated in Embilipitiya on Friday. This national programme was launched in line with a concept by President Maithripala Sirisena, The primary objective of the initiation of the Gama Hada Gamu programme is to build a 'Drug Free Nation'. "Over 3.8 billion rupees, or something close to 3.9 billion rupees worth of cigarettes and alcohol are sold in the Ratnapura District a month. In theColombo District, over 7 billion rupees of cigarettes and alcohol are sold a month", pointed out President Sirisena in his speech. "Drug addiction is one of the serious contributing factors to poverty", the president further pointed out. He stressed that this is cash that can be used to develop the country. Gama Hada Gamu programme aims at reducing the production and sale of illegal drugs at rural level. The community education programmes will be carried out through the programme and initiatives will be taken to rehabilitate drug abusers. In addition, student awareness programmes on drugs are also planned to be carried out too.