DRUG ADDICTION ON THE RISE, PRISONS OVERFLOW

Bureau urges to send addicts to rehab centres amid rising cases

- DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA

Sri Lanka is facing increasing challenges with drug addiction and prison overcrowding. Authorities are struggling to provide effective rehabilitation for the growing number of people affected by substance abuse.

Many inmates in prisons are serving sentences for drugrelated offences, highlighting the need for improved rehabilitation programmes.

In response to the growing number of drug addicts, the Bureau of Rehabilitation has informed the Ministry of Justice and National Integration that it can accommodate nearly 500 individuals, including dozens of women, for rehabilitation from toxic drug addiction.

The Bureau, which operates three centres in Kandakadu, Senapura, and Vavuniya, told the Ministry's Secretary that its facilities can collectively house up to 1,120 individuals. Currently, 625 individuals, including 97 women, are undergoing treatment.

The rehabilitation programmes, conducted under court orders, last six months and aim to provide support for addicts struggling with substance abuse.