Sri Lanka will introduce nationwide drug-prevention committees across all schools, universities, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced on Sunday (16).
Speaking at an event in Kalutara, the minister said the directive will be formalized through a circular to be issued today (17), as part of a broader national campaign to combat drug abuse.
A separate circular from the Ministry of Public Administration will instruct all ministries, departments, and state institutions to form similar committees. Additionally, the President’s Office has directed the Ministry of Social Empowerment to ensure that NGOs also establish drug-prevention units.
The minister further announced that a new operations office linked to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board’s 1818 hotline will open on November 22 in Colombo.
Addressing the severity of the crisis, Minister Wijepala said the drug problem has reached “a very serious level,” adding: “It is causing great harm to society. As the government, we have decided to remove this issue from society.”
