2026-02-20 / Oral Question: Illegal drugs arrests and seizures (Q.No. 7/2025) 2026-02-20
The Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs outlined the government's comprehensive two-pronged strategy to address the drug problem, combining supply suppression with demand reduction. On the supply side, the Tri-Forces, Police, and STF are conducting continuous operations against traffickers and distributors, while a multi-tiered institutional framework has been established under presidential leadership, including District and Divisional Committees and approximately 14,000 village-level Public Security Committees. For demand reduction, the government is prioritising rehabilitation over incarceration for users, with 25 district-based rehabilitation centres being established (12 operational), facilities in Mihintale, Ampara, and Colombo, and two additional centres set to open in March. The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board has trained 250 counsellors to triage users into appropriate care pathways, ranging from home-based rehabilitation to hospital treatment, alongside awareness programmes conducted through state and non-state institutions from school level upward.
Mr. Speaker, to curb supply we have deployed the Tri-Forces, Police and STF in continuous operations. Recognizing domestic demand, we have launched a nationwide, multi-tiered programme to reduce and eliminate it. Under the leadership of the President, the National Council for Drug Prevention has been established. At district level, District Secretariats anchor District Committees; at divisional level, Divisional Committees are being formed; and at grassroots, around 14,000 Public Security Committees at village level are being integrated.
Enforcement against traffickers and distributors continues relentlessly with Police and STF. Our objective is not to imprison users but to route them to rehabilitation or treatment. Awareness programmes are being conducted from school level upwards through state and non-state institutions, with substantial expansion planned.
Voluntary presentation for rehabilitation is facilitated. Twenty-five district-based rehabilitation centres are being set up; about 12 are already established. Intermediate care homes are in place in Mihintale and Ampara; a facility for women operates in Colombo District. Funds are being allocated to establish centres in every district, with two more to open in March.
The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board has trained 250 counsellors. Using their assessments, users will be triaged: home-based rehabilitation, 14-day intermediate care, six-month structured rehabilitation, or hospital-based treatment beyond rehabilitation, as appropriate. This comprehensive programme is now underway nationwide to suppress supply and reduce demand.