Former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Ajith Rohana has warned that approximately 20 people are becoming addicted to drugs every day in Sri Lanka, according to unofficial estimates.
Speaking at an event, the retired senior police officer said drug addiction had become a serious national concern, with the problem now extending into the country’s school system.
He claimed that nearly 200,000 people in Sri Lanka were addicted to drugs, according to official and unofficial information.
“According to unofficial reports, around 20 new people are becoming addicted to drugs every day. Just imagine how many that would be over a year,” he said.
Rohana said a person addicted to drugs could require approximately Rs. 6,000 daily to purchase two doses, placing a significant financial burden on individuals and families.
He also warned that some individuals struggling with addiction may turn to theft and other criminal activities to obtain money for drugs.
The former senior police officer said the consequences of drug addiction extended beyond criminal activity, placing additional financial pressure on the government through healthcare, rehabilitation, police investigations and court proceedings.
He further claimed that much of the illegal drug supply entering Sri Lanka was controlled by a small number of individuals operating from overseas.
Rohana stressed that law enforcement agencies alone could not address the growing drug problem.
He called for greater involvement from communities, mental health counsellors and other professionals to prevent drug addiction and support rehabilitation efforts.
The figures cited by Rohana, including the estimated number of people affected and new daily cases, have not been independently verified. (Newswire)
