Event : Sri Lankan Government adopted the 'I Decide' campaign in Sinhala on the occasion of June 26 2008-the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka launched the campign at his office.  The Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Mr. Iflal Abdulla, President of Sri Lanka Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations, Dr. Nimal Edirisinghe, Director, National STD/AIDS Control Programme Representatives from the government, UN, donors, media, and civil society were also present. Ms. Harsheth Virk Project Coordinator project RAS/H 13 presented the findings of the regional report titled "Rapid Situation and Response Assessment of Drugs and HIV in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka- A regional Report." Mr. Pratik Kumar, Project Coordinator G86, shared the vision of the project and the 'I Decide'campaign. This campaign was launched in India in June 26 2006 by Project IND/G86 in collaboration with Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Bangladesh

Events : June 26 2008 was observed with great enthusiasm in Bangladesh. Representatives from the government, NGOs and civil society organisations took part in the 'human chain' event, which was a big success. This event witnessed phenomenal response as people in large numbers turned out to take part in it. An exhibition displaying the messages and training materials on drug abuse and HIV was also held. There was a huge participation from communities such as students, civil society and media.

Events : In Nepal, 26 June 2008 was widely observed by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal (GON) in the 75 districts of Nepal. A week-long awareness activity: rallies, cultural programmes, street dramas, painting and poetry competition, dissemination of IEC materials were organised. Two immensely popular film personalities: Rajesh Himal and Ms. Niruta were appointed by the Ministry for Home Affairs, GON, as the Goodwill Ambassadors for June 26. They actively participated in all the major events and helped in taking the messages on drug abuse to the masses. The participation and response from the media was also extremely encouraging. The published media article presented the issue of drug abuse in a balanced manner.

Maldives

Events : A sensitization programme on drug abuse prevention was organized for the inmates and prison staff at Maafushi prison in the Maldives. A health camp for drug users was also organized by NGO's such as Journey, SHE and SWAD. The event was well attended, especially by senior government officials.

Bhutan

Event : More than 300 students from 13 schools participated in the advocacy meeting, held on 26 June 2008. The Hon'ble Chairman of the Narcotics Control Board was the chief guest for the occasion. He was accompanied by the Hon'ble Labour and Employment Minster and the Health Secretary. The meeting was also attended by 45 legislators of Bhutan Parliament. During the meeting, information on the ill effects of drug use and illicit trafficking was shared through presentations such as dance, skit and song programme. This meeting was organized by Bhutan Narcotics Control Agency.