Government to Establish Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Every District, Deputy Minister Says

The government has allocated funds through the national budget to establish a drug rehabilitation centre in every district, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Attorney Sunil Watagala has said.

He made the remarks at a special meeting held at the Maharagama Divisional Secretariat under the “Rata Ma Ekata” (The Whole Country Together) regional operations committee.

The meeting was held under the leadership of Watagala and Member of Parliament Devananda Suraveera, with the participation of Maharagama Municipal Council Chairman Saman Samarakoon, municipal councillors, police officers and government officials.

Addressing the gathering, Watagala said the government had taken steps to improve infrastructure and facilities required by the police.

He also claimed that police operations targeting cocaine, heroin and crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, had resulted in significantly increased drug seizures this year compared with the previous year.

According to the deputy minister, measures had been taken to disrupt drug trafficking networks, with further operations continuing to weaken their activities.

Watagala further said the government had addressed several shortcomings in existing laws relating to ransom demands and other offences associated with criminal activity.

He added that legislation aimed at challenging and recovering proceeds obtained through criminal activities had been passed, describing it as an important measure in efforts to combat organised crime and illegal financial activities.

The meeting provided a platform for government representatives, local authorities, police and public officials to discuss security-related measures and ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking and crime at the regional level.