Implementing PLAT in Sri Lanka

Psychoactive substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) remain to be a major problem around the world. Which has a negative effect on global health and social and economic functioning. When we are paying attention to the most vulnerable group for doing substances, adolescents are the most vulnerable for experiment with substances as shown by researchers. 

In Sri Lankan education system, there are over 10 146 Schools established under 99 educational zones, and over 4 118 781 students are involved. Implementing PLAT groups in school is really important and essential for effective and sustained substance prevention for adolescents. 

Preventive Education and Training Unit of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) organized and conducted training for 29 student counselors and 04 teacher counselors in Monaragala Education Zone which was held on the 15th, 16th, and 17th of March 2023 at the Zonal Education Auditorium - Monaragala. For organizing the training Mr. Mahesh Lankadhera and Mr. Asitha Gnanasiri who were involved with NDDCB as the Volunteers in Monaragala District gave their support.

The training was provided by UPC, RC, and UTC-certified trainers and based on the curriculum of School-Based. The curriculum was provided free of charge by the Colombo Plan Secretariat and the initial cost was borne by the US State Department.