Only 263 drug addicts currently under rehabilitation

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

In response to the increasing number of drug addicts, the Bureau of Rehabilitation has informed the Ministry of Justice and National Integration that it has the capacity to 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 the rehabilitation process. Currently, only 263 individuals are undergoing treatment, including 83 women.  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 located in Kandakadu, Senapura and Vavuniya.   

The Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre has the capacity to accommodate upto 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 has the capacity to 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.