No Alcohol Week commences today

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The 'No Alcohol Week' organised by the Health Ministry under the direction of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena to mark Vesak commences today under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's concept 'Full Stop to Alcohol and Drugs' (Mathata Thitha), a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the main objective of the week is, preventing fathers from drinking alcohol during the Vesak season. The week to be organized in collaboration with the Ministries of Education, Youth Affairs and Public Administration. A special circular to be sent to all District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladharies by the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry issuing instructions on coordinating families during the week.

"In addition, arrangements will be made through the Education Ministry to educate parents, especially fathers through school children on the evil effects of alcohol consumption. Parents to be educated on the same subject through youths attached to Youth

Societies scattered countrywide. The Youth Affairs and Skills Develop Ministry willcoordinate the programme. Grama Niladharis will coordinate the programme at village level", he said.

"During the week, families will be encouraged to sit together and chant 'Pirith' from 6.00 pm after performing daily religious activities.

The programme will enable fathers to stay at home with the rest of the family and chant pirith, "he added.