Only 1,506 of the 4,962 inmates convicted by courts for drug-related offences are currently receiving rehabilitation programmes, the Department of Prisons has informed a Parliamentary committee.

The figures were revealed during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection, chaired by MP Najith Indika.

Prisons officials said rehabilitation is provided to inmates referred through court orders as well as those who voluntarily seek rehabilitation.

However, officials said the existing system does not have the capacity to provide rehabilitation opportunities to all inmates serving sentences for various offences.

The committee discussed strengthening rehabilitation programmes for people addicted to drugs as part of efforts to address overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prisons.

Officials from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board said steps are being taken to expand rehabilitation programmes, recruit additional personnel and strengthen programmes at Divisional Secretariat level across the country.

The committee also discussed difficulties faced by rehabilitated individuals in gaining social acceptance and obtaining certificates of good character.

The need for amendments to relevant laws and regulations to make the rehabilitation process more effective was also highlighted during the discussion.

Officials from the Department of Prisons, Department of Community Based Corrections, Bureau of Rehabilitation and National Dangerous Drugs Control Board participated in the meeting. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Urban Development has launched a Rs. 218 million programme to maintain and rehabilitate 31 canal roads and associated water systems across several flood‑prone areas.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, who inspected ongoing projects in Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, Mattakkuliya, Meethotamulla and Kotikawatta‑Mulleriyawa, said all works are scheduled for completion before October 2026.

The initiative aims to reduce flood risk, accelerate water drainage, safeguard the urban environment, and provide long‑term, sustainable solutions to recurring flood hazards.

The programme is being jointly implemented by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, the Urban Development Authority, the Colombo Municipal Council and provincial councils. (Newswire

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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)

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