Only 263 drug addicts currently under rehabilitation

- Bureau of Rehabilitation ready to treat over 800 drug addicts, including women

In response to the increasing number of drug addicts, the Bureau of Rehabilitation has informed the Ministry of Justice and National Integration that it can accommodate over 800 individuals, including dozens of women, for rehabilitation from toxic drug addiction.

The Bureau has notified the Ministry's secretary that its three rehabilitation centres can collectively house up to 1,120 individuals for rehabilitation. Currently, only 263 individuals, including 83 women, are undergoing treatment.

Rehabilitation programmes are conducted under court orders, focusing on providing support for individuals struggling with addiction, with a rehabilitation duration of six months.

The Bureau of Rehabilitation operates three centres in Kandakadu, Senapura and Vavuniya.

The Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre has the capacity to accommodate up to 500 individuals, with 95 currently receiving treatment. The Senapura Rehabilitation Centre, also able to house 500 individuals, is currently rehabilitating only 85 addicts.

Additionally, a special facility for women addicted to dangerous drugs was recently established in Vavuniya. This centre can rehabilitate up to 120 women.

Colonel Kelum Wickramarachchi, Commissioner of the Bureau of Rehabilitation, has informed the Ministry Secretary to direct relevant institutions under the Ministry to refer drug addicts to these rehabilitation centres for treatment.