DRUG ADDICTS TO BE REHABILITATED INSTEAD OF IMPRISONED: MINISTER

COLOMBO (News 1st): The government is focused on referring individuals who are arrested on charges of drug abuse for rehabilitation instead of being imprisoned, Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, the Minister of Public Security said. According to the Public Security Minister, discussions in this regard have already begun with the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General, the Chief Justice and others. "Hereafter, we will not imprison those who are addicted to drugs once arrested, instead they will be sent to rehabilitation camps. Regardless of one's position in society, he/ she shall be sent to a rehabilitation centre for a period of one year and released to society," Minister Dr. Weerasekara told News 1st. He pointed out that when addicts are imprisoned, they will again repeat the same cycle of stealing and using narcotics, once released from prison, since they are patients. "While those addicted to the use of narcotics are rehabilitated, the drug smugglers, drug lords, mediators and those who sell drugs will be strictly penalized by being produced in court," Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, the Minister of Public Security stressed.