President to strengthen fight against drug menace

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Maithripala Sirisena stated that the National Program to combat drugs is to commence from April 3rd. Addressing a meeting in Matara he said that several schools have reached out for his assistance to curb the drug menace in their schools and that the principals and teachers find it hard to eradicate the use of drugs from certain schools because the children are given extensive support from the drug peddlers. He further said that on April 3rd with the Bakmaha pledge that the entire nation will commit themselves to eradicate the drug menace and that the tri-forces will be empowered to further strengthen their contribution to combat the drug menace. The centenary celebrations of the Kokawala Central College also took place earlier today (March 11) under the auspices of President Maithipala Sirisena. The Head of State declared opened the new primary educational resources center while also laying the foundation stone for the school's new sports complex. Speaking to the crowd the President said that although a teacher could make a mistake once in a while that 99% of the time it is solely with the intention of correcting the student. He also commented on an event that was organized recently by an NGO to burn canes used in schools. The President sees this action as the agenda of the Western NGO's adding that he had declined their offer to take part in the event.  President Maithripala Sirisena said that back in the days things were much different to today and that their parents also agreed with their teachers on the matter of being caned.

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