DANGEROUS DRUGS AWARENESS PROGRAMS FOR THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY IN 542 BRIGADE AREA

In line with the Clean Sri Lanka Project and under the direction and instructions of the General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division, Dangerous Drugs Awareness Programs for the school community were launched in the 542 Infantry Brigade area. This urgent requirement arose due to the fact that children of the Mannar District are unfortunately among the most vulnerable targets of the prevailing drug menace. To address this situation, the 542 Infantry Brigade organized these awareness programs with the assistance of the Bureau of Rehabilitation and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, targeting the school community in the Mannar area.

The first programs were conducted at MN/Murunkan Central College and MN/Parikarikandal G.T.M. School on 11 September 2025, for 240 students. The official event was attended by the General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division, Major General AMC Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc, the District Secretary of Mannar, Mr. K. Kanakeshwarm, Commander 542 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier ARWC. Asurasingha RWP RSP USP, and the Rehabilitation Officer of the Bureau of Rehabilitation for the Northern Province, Lieutenant Colonel WPT Perera.

The interactive prevention lectures for the students were conducted by Mrs. A. Siyamini Vayalat, a counselor and qualified lecturer, who also serves as the Coordinating Officer of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board in the Jaffna District.

The Dangerous Drugs Awareness Programs were successfully implemented under the close supervision of the Commander 542 Infantry Brigade. The Commanding Officer of the 8th Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and his troops actively participated in the event, which was coordinated by the Civil Affairs Officer of the 542 Infantry Brigade.