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  • Hon. Prime Minister presides over prize awarding of Art and Animation Video competition organized by Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs

Hon. Prime Minister presides over prize awarding of Art and Animation Video competition organized by Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs

At the invitation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera who is also the President Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Honourable Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today (29th November 2024) presided over the prize awarding ceremony of Art and Animation Video competition, at the Navy Headquarters. Organized by the Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs, the competition was held under the theme of “EMPOWERING CHILDREN AND YOUTH FOR BRIGHT FUTURE WITHOUT DRUGS”, for school children and the youth community.

The competition was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Science & Technology, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Colombo Plan and Dialog Axiata PLC. The Art competition is divided into two categories: the first for students in grades 6 to 8, and the second for students in grades 9 to 11. The Animation Video competition will be divided into two categories: the first for students in Grades 10 to 13, and the second for participants aged 19 to 30.

Kavitma Induvarani of Mahamaya Girls' College, Kandy, claimed first place in the art competition for students in grades 6 to 8. Sadwani Liyanaarachchi of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, secured second place, while Janilya Tennakoon of Vishvoda College, Kurunegala, took third.

Meanwhile, Vichith Manavage from Dharmaloka Vidyalaya, Palamadulla, secured first place in the Art competition for students from grades 9 to 11. Ishara Madhushanka of Bengamuwa Secondary School, Matara, claimed second place, while Hilmi Muhammad U Hakeel of Methai Palli Vidyalayam, Batticaloa, took third place.

In the Animation Video Competition for students from grades 10 to 13, the team from Medirigama Maha Vidyalaya, Mawanella—comprising Isuru Dimagi Bakmeedeniya, Thushari Deeshana Weerasekera, Shadisa Thilakshi Senanayake, and Metshadi Ushara Kumarasinghe secured first place. Navodya Kumara of Rathnaloka Vidyalaya, Matugama, claimed second place, while Pasandu Ranulka Watawala of St. Mary's College, Matugama, earned third place.

Also, in the Animation Video competition held for the age group of 20 to 30 years, the first place was won by Lakshani Bhagya Weerasinghe, the second place was won by Navodi Malsha Harishchandra and the third place was won by Dasun Prabhath Chandrasena. The Hon. Prime Minister awarded the winners with their prizes and certificates.

To recognize and encourage young talent, merit certificates were awarded to 20 participants of the Art Competition, categorized into two groups, and 13 participants of the Animation Video Competition. The certificates were presented by Dr. Lakshmi Somatunga, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media; Mr. Indika Vanninayake, Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board; Mr. Varuna Alahakoon, Director of Aesthetic Education at the Ministry of Education; and H.E. Benjamin P. Reyes, Secretary General of the Colombo Plan.

Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr. Thushara Upuldeniya, representatives of Dialog Axiata PLC, winners and certificate recipients, parents, senior officials of Navy Headquarters and Western Naval Command were present on this occasion.