Addressing and Responding To Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Substance Use

Having considered the fact that addressing and responding to tobacco, alcohol and other substance use is a current need at all levels, the Faculty Board held in October 2018 decided to develop a programme targeting elimination of the menace from the faculty premises. First stakeholder meeting targeting awareness of the issue was held on 11th of January 2019 at the pre-clinical auditorium. The programme commenced with the welcome address by Professor Prshantha Wijesingha, Dean, Faculty of Medicine. Dr Aruni Hapangama, Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry Dr. Manuja Perera, Senior Lecturer in Public Health addressed the gathering with introduction and health hazards and impact on the individual and the public. The legal aspect on substance use on laws, offences and Sri Lankan situation was addressed by Mr. Sajeewa S. Madawatta, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Narcotic Range while duty of the police in detection and responding to drugs and alcohol in Gampaha district, was delivered by Ms. Madara Ariyasinghe, Superintendent of Police, Kelaniya division. Professor Shehan Williams, Professor in Psychiatry then addressed the audience on intervention. Finally, a discussion was initiated by Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Professor of Forensic Medicine, on developing an action plan on how different stake holders can contribute to elimination of the problem at the faculty. Religious leaders from the area and parents too participated the programme.