MANDATORY REHABILITATION FOR DRUG ADDICTS: MINISTER

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Public Security has decided to direct drug addicts who are produced in court, to follow a mandatory rehabilitation programme of one year, the Subject Minister said. "This rehabilitation process is required to minimize the use of narcotics, and a three-phase programme is currently in place to eradicate the drug menace in the country," Minister of Public Security, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara told News 1st on Tuesday (Jan. 05). According to the Minister, the 1st step is to stop the entry of narcotics into the country via sea routes and other modes; "Special operations are already underway jointly by Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force and Excise Department in this regard," Minister Weerasekara added. The next step is to minimize the demand for narcotics in the country, which can be achieved through the establishment of Drug Prevention Societies at all schools in the country, he further noted. "Principals, teachers and school prefects will take action to provide necessary counselling at schools, gather information on students addicted to the use of narcotics and minimize the demand for drugs," Rear Admiral (Retd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara said, adding the initiative will also include international schools. Moreover, "As the 3rd step, instead of being imprisoned, all drug addicts who are caught will have to undergo a one-year Drug Rehabilitation programme at Rehabilitation Camps, regardless of one's position in society," the Minister further noted. Minister of Public Security, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara thereby pointed out that drug addicts will be provided with vocational training and released to society following the successful completion of the Rehabilitation Programme.