The construction of a new residential building in Peradeniya for the treatment and rehabilitation of youth addicted to drugs has received a Cabinet nod.
According to the government, the Narcotic Control National Board implements treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals addicted to drugs under residential and non-residential models.
Under this initiative, a treatment centre is being maintained in Handessa, Peradeniya, for children and youth below 21 years facing issues due to the use of drugs.
It has been recognized that treatment services and sufficient space are essential to treat individuals in that age category, considering their psycho-social conduct due to drug use.
Since there is only residential capacity for 35 individuals in the relevant centre, a pending list has to be maintained for admissions.
As such, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Minister of Public Security to construct a new residential building at the Peradeniya treatment centre, for Rs. 110 million from the provisions allocated under the Clean Sri Lanka programme.
The new building is to be constructed so that treatment opportunities for children and youth addicted to drugs can be expanded and accelerated. (Newswire)
