Consulate General of India

Jaffna

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PRESS RELEASE

1. Under a grant-in-aid of LKR 2.2 lakhs, Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya organized a walk from Ariyalai Gandhi statue to the Gandhi statue at Cargills Square this morning (30 January, 2020) coinciding with the 72nd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to create an awareness about the ill effects of drugs and alcohol.

2. Over 500 people participated in the walk including foreigners attracted by the theme of the walk. Tableaux depicting the harmful effects of these substances accompanied the procession. Hon’ble Member of Parliament Mr. Dharmalingam Sitharthan, Hon’ble NPC Chairman Mr. CVK Sivagnanam, His Worship Mayor of Jaffna Mr. Arnold, Vicar General of Jaffna, former NPC Members, members of Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya, Gandhi Sewa Sangam and Ariyalai Gandhi Community Centre and Consulate officials led the procession.

3. The procession terminated at the Gandhi statue, Cargills Square. After garlanding of the statue and floral tributes, the speakers recalled Gandhiji’s teachings and principles and urged people to avoid alcohol and drugs. The music students of the India Corner sang Gandhi’s favourite bhajans on the occasion. Consul General Balachandran received a copy of a souvenir released by All Ceylon Gandhi Sewa Sangam.

4. Representative photographs are enclosed.

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Jaffna

30 January, 2020