In brief
Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Rehabilitation announced a 19.21 percent relapse rate for those who completed treatment in early 2026, compared with 24.5 percent the year before. The bureau noted a rise in drug‑free individuals and is expanding awareness initiatives, especially in the tourism sector, while urging voluntary rehabilitation over waiting for legal action.
Colombo, Nov. 6 – Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Rehabilitation announced that the drug relapse rate among individuals who completed rehabilitation programs fell to 19.21 percent in the first ten months of 2026, down from 24.5 percent in 2025. The bureau released the figures during a media briefing in Colombo.
According to Bureau Director General M.S. Hameed, the proportion of people who remained free from dangerous drugs after rehabilitation increased from 31.4 percent in 2025 to 45.18 percent between January 1 and October 30, 2026, an improvement of 13.78 percentage points.
Hameed said the bureau is expanding its awareness programs, particularly targeting employees in the tourism industry. He noted that 14 percent of individuals who sought treatment at its centers were employed in the hotel and tourism sector.
The bureau has conducted awareness programmes in districts such as Gampaha and areas in the Southern Province. A further programme aimed at employees of major tourist hotels in Sigiriya and Dambulla is scheduled for November 9, with Dambulla serving as the central location.
In the same briefing, Hameed highlighted the national anti‑drug operation "A Nation United," a campaign that appears to be reported only by Xinhua.
He encouraged individuals struggling with addiction and their families to seek rehabilitation voluntarily rather than waiting for legal intervention.
