07th November 2025 15:32:22 Hours
In line with the Government of Sri Lanka’s national campaign to eradicate the menace of dangerous drugs, the 54 Infantry Division organized a series of Dangerous Drugs Awareness Programs within the 542 Infantry Brigade area under the direction and guidance of Major General A M C Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division. This marked the third awareness program conducted for the school community as it has been identified that students and communities in the Mannar area are among the most vulnerable groups to the growing threat of dangerous drugs. Recognizing the gravity of this issue the 54 Infantry Division plans to continue conducting further awareness programs for school communities, government officials and the general public in the area.
With the insight of Major General A M C Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc, General Officer Commanding, 54 Infantry Division, the 542 Infantry Brigade organized two Dangerous Drugs Awareness Programs on 06 November 2025 with the assistance of the Bureau of Rehabilitation and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB).
The first program was held at the Advanced Technological Institute, Mannar, for 150 students pursuing two-and-a-half-year English and Information Technology courses. The success of this program was greatly enhanced by the active participation of Mr. R. J. Mohan Cross, Academic Coordinator of the institute, together with his dedicated staff and students, who created a positive and engaging environment that greatly contributed to the success of the event.
The second program was conducted for government officials at the Department of Agriculture, Mannar. Lieutenant Colonel W P T Perera GR Rehabilitation Officer of the Bureau of Rehabilitation for the Northern Province graced both awareness sessions with his presence.
The interactive lecture for students was 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 Jaffna District.
Both Dangerous Drugs Awareness Programs were successfully conducted under the close supervision of Brigadier A R W C Asurasingha RWP RSP USP, Commander 542 Infantry Brigade, and coordinated by Lieutenant Colonel W A N D Jayasundara VIR, Civil Affairs Officer of the 542 Infantry Brigade. The Commanding Officer and troops of the 8th Battalion, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, also extended their fullest support to ensure the successful conduct of the programs.
