Colombo Plan: Drug Awareness Program

UNCLAS COLOMBO 002171 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, INL/C/CJ, IO/T E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SNAR CE SUBJECT: Colombo Plan: Drug Awareness Program celebrates 30 years with award for INL Director Refs: (A) State 328549; (B) Colombo 1990 ¶1. On December 21, DCM and poloff attended a dinner commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Colombo Plan's Drug Awareness Program (DAP). Since its inception in 1973, the DAP has been a significant force throughout the Asia/Pacific region in demand reduction and drug awareness efforts, including in the areas of prevention, rehabilitation, and law enforcement. The U.S., as a member of the Colombo Plan, is a major financial contributor to the DAP, providing USD 920,000 in FY2003 alone. ¶2. During the anniversary dinner, Kittipan Kanjanapipatkul, Colombo Plan Secretary-General, and Tay Bian How, DAP director, took the opportunity to recognize the achievements of several individuals and groups for their drug awareness efforts. Thomas Browne, Director of the Criminal Justice Program in the State Department's INL Crime Office (INL/C/CJ),was one of six awardees. Browne received a "Special Award of Recognition" for his "distinguished service in efforts to combat the drug problem in the Asia/Pacific Region." Poloff accepted the award on Browne's behalf. The award, certificate, and a copy of the DAP's 30th anniversary commemorative publication have been sent via pouch to INL. ¶3. The other five award recipients were: -- Ven. Kuppiyawatte Bodananda Thero, director of Mithuru-Mithuro, a Sri Lankan drug rehabilitation center. -- Lilla Dulay, Director of Preventive Education for the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board. -- The Royal Thai Foundation for its drug crop eradication programs. -- T.T. Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation, a residential drug treatment center in Chennai, India. -- Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association. ¶4. Minimize considered. LUNSTEAD