Pannala, Kurunegala (October 04, 2023) — Taking a decisive stance to safeguard school children against rising societal threats, the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF) and the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC SMM) convened a high-level strategic conference in Pannala to formulate a nationwide defense mechanism against child abuse and drug trafficking.
The landmark discussion, held on October 4, 2023, brought together key stakeholders from the IHRC, SHCCF, Giriulla Education Zone, and the Sri Lanka Police Department to establish specialized School-Level Crime Prevention Clubs across regional educational institutions.
Countering School Insecurity and Substance Exploitation The strategic session addressed the critical vulnerabilities facing school children in the modern era, focusing on actionable solutions to eradicate illicit drug networks operating near school environments and to safeguard children from abuse and exploitation.
The conference was organized with complete institutional and logistical sponsorship from the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy.
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake: "Maximum Protection for the Future Generation" Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake—Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC, Founder, President, and Director General of the SHCCF, and Presidential Commendation Counselor on Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation—reaffirmed the unconditional backing of both international and local bodies:
"The International Human Rights Commission and the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation are fully committed to deploying all necessary resources to fortify the safety of our school children. We will build an unyielding barrier against drug traffickers and abusers targeting our youth."
Tripartite Collaboration: Education Zone and Senior Police Leadership Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Mr. Senarath Lankathilaka, Divisional Education Director for Giriulla, elaborated on the current security challenges within the Sri Lankan school system and expressed deep gratitude for the multi-institutional intervention.
Joining the conference via telephone technology, Mr. Anil Priyantha, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Kurunegala, officially pledged the maximum support and tactical cooperation of the Sri Lanka Police in establishing and monitoring the school-based crime prevention units.
Key Attendees and High-Level Delegation The conference was attended by prominent administrative, law enforcement, and civil leaders, including:
SHCCF & IHRC Leadership: Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, Chief Inspector of Police (Retd.) Harrison Somasiri, Mr. Nalin Darshana, Mr. Chaminda Nishantha, Mr. Dhammika Sisira Kumara, Mr. Hemantha Vitharana, Mr. Sadeva Amaradasa, Pandit Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Mr. Jayatissa Athaudahetti, and Pastor Ananda Kumara. Educational Authorities & Principals: Mr. Senarath Lankathilaka (Divisional Education Director), Principal Aruna Shantha, Principal Chinthaka, Principal Sampath, alongside regional teaching staff. Police Leadership: Senior DIG Anil Priyantha (Kurunegala) and participating police officers. Official Event Record
Date: October 04, 2023
Venue: Pannala, Kurunegala
Reported by:
Udara Rathnayake
Executive Director — Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation
