Wisdom of philosophers to inspire and guide us

Recent statistics reveal that last year alone, Sri Lanka had nearly 500,000 drug users and that there were more than 47,000 drug-related arrests, a third of which was of young men in their twenties.

The Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association (SLANA) which has been in the forefront of the battle against drug and substance abuse points out that today’s environment provides a nurturing atmosphere for those trafficking in drugs and encourages young people to consume illicit substances to find a temporary and illusory escape from a cycle of violence and poverty.

SLANA’s calendar published annually is the main source of funding for the many activities it implements to strengthen the resolve of young people to meet life’s challenges without resorting to drugs. This year the calendar celebrates the “Great Philosophers of the World” who taught people to use reason and believe in the power of the mind in overcoming any challenge. This is in line with SLANA’s understanding that an informed public is the nation’s best defence against substance abuse.

This elegantly designed calendar features a philosopher for each month with a short pen sketch of the man and his vision, from Confucius, Socrates and Lao Tzu to Immanuel Kant and Jiddu Krishnamurti. “The history of our society has been altered by the wisdom of the men found in the pages of this calendar. SLANA is proud to honour their accomplishments,” SLANA director Dharshini Guniyangoda said. For more details, contact SLANA at 5, Kirimandala Mawatha, Nawala, or on tel: 011 2868494.