John Keells Foundation continues to combat substance abuse among school children through awareness creation

The Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association has reported an alarming rise in substance abuse among schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, with the most concerning trend being drug experimentation occurring between the ages of 11 and 16 years. The heaviest drug users fall within the age bracket of 16 to 25 years. Mainly, the substances targeting school children are medications and sedatives laced with sweets and treats, which are being sold by dubious vendors near educational institutions. This devious approach aims to hook children on softer drugs at an early age, thereby creating demand for harder drugs like ice and heroin later on.

Recognising the critical need to address this pressing issue, the John Keells Foundation (JKF), the CSR entity of the John Keells Group, has been actively leading the way with its Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Programme since its launch in 2020. The programme is designed to intervene early in the lives of school children, positively impacting their lives and preventing substance use and related behavioural problems.

In alignment with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, JKF recently organised a school-based awareness programme in its Praja Shakthi location of Ja-Ela. The event, held in collaboration with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), was a success, aiming to educate and empower youth in combatting drug abuse and addiction through positive habits and lifestyle choices. On 28th June, 71 students from five different schools in the region participated in the programme, which focused on raising awareness about addiction, identifying strategies to mitigate addictive behaviour, and highlighting the grave dangers of drug abuse. The primary goal of JKF’s initiative is to create a drug-free and healthier community by educating the youth about the perils of substance abuse.