The interactive educational exhibition titled ‘To Win – What can be done about alcohol?’ was formally declared open by the honourable minister of State Resources & Enterprise Development P.Dayaratne this morning at the auditorium of the Colombo Public library, amidst a large gathering of distinguished guests and officials from the Samurdhi Authority and Ministry of Education.
The objective in conducting this exhibition is to create awareness on issues relating to alcohol use and its prevention mechanisms in staying true to the Government of Sri Lanka’s “Mathata Thitha” programme that also co-incides with the “Gama Naguma” project. Conducted in collaboration with the Samurdhi Authority, the initial launch will be in Colombo as a test of prevention methodology and thereafter be held in 15 districts island-wide between July 2010 and June 2011, acting also as a supporting link for the Government’s “Maga Neguma” programme. While students of schools, universities, technical and vocational colleges, teachers, parents, officials in the healthcare industry, religious leaders will be the primary target group, the involvement of various religious dignitaries, Samurdhi, Educational Department officials, Community Based Organisations and Non Government Organisations will come into play.

The manner and trend in how views and values on alcohol and drugs have developed in society, the psychological approach taken towards preventive measures will be a specialty of this exhibition. This would be a unique opportunity for the public to get a clear understanding of an issue that has been a key contributing factor in impeding development.

The exhibition will continue for the next two days – i.e. 28th and 29th of August targeting the maximum attention of the public, especially school children and youth. Several print and audio-visual exhibits on current evidence-based scientific information on alcohol use are on display giving it a fresh appeal and alternative to the stereotype didactic lecture type programmes.