Rehabilitation centres planned for every district

Minister of Public Security Susil Watagala says steps have been taken to establish at least one rehabilitation centre in every district.

He made these remarks while attending the Kalutara District Conference of the ‘Ratama Ekata’ national programme, which is implemented by the Ministry of Public Security.

The Minister stated that actions have been initiated to set up these rehabilitation centres using funds allocated from the previous budget.

He added that a national programme has been launched to simultaneously control both the demand and supply aspects of drug prevention.

Awareness programmes are being conducted through the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, with attention focused on reducing the demand for drugs and controlling the supply network.

The Minister noted that a strong network has been established for this purpose, bringing together regional committees, public security committees, the police, the tri-forces, district secretaries, and all other public sector stakeholders.

He further stated that steps have been taken to enlist the involvement of religious leaders in the drug prevention programme.

Accordingly, a request has been made to religious leaders to spend 5 to 10 minutes during every religious sermon to educate the public on the national anti-drug operation.

The event was attended by religious leaders, Kalutara District Members of Parliament, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Kalutara District Secretary Sunanda Herath, police officers, divisional secretaries, Pradeshiya Sabha chairmen, and numerous other public officials.