MAJORITY DRUG ADDICTS IN SRI LANKA ARE NOT O/L PASSED

A recent study has revealed that most drug addicts including ICE addicts in Sri Lanka have education levels below the Ordinary Level (O/L) and have now become a burden to the state as they require intense rehabilitation and remain unemployed.

- SHEAIN FERNANDOPULLE

The research, conducted by Prof. Wasantha Athukorala and his team from the University of Peradeniya, analyzed prison data and patterns of drug-related offences in 2023.According to their findings, 185,056 individuals were imprisoned for various crimes in 2023. Of these, 46,939 were convicted, with 29,192 cases directly linked to drugs.

The study found that the majority of addicts were arrested in four key districts: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Kurunegala.

Regarding age, 8,491 individuals of the convicted were between 22 and 30 years old, while 8,941 were aged 30-40, indicating that young and middle-aged adults remain the most affected group.

The study also pointed to a growing number of female addicts.

"The increasing involvement of women in drug abuse is a new trend that requires immediate attention from policymakers and health authorities," Prof. Athukorala noted.