Drug addicts, peddlers highest in correctional centres

Ishara Mudugamuwa

A sizable number of offenders in correctional centres are there for substance related offenses. They constitute 65 percent of all offenders in correctional facilities throughout the country, said Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies Executive Director Jeevan Thiyagarajah who is also associated with the Institute for Human Rights.

"These offenders could be addicts or peddlers. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa should be commended for taking serious note of this matter while looking into how our correctional facilities are functioning," Thiyagarajah said.

He said the Health Ministry, the Defence Ministry and the National Dangerous Drug Control Board are making a joint effort to find solutions to this problem. He said it is also important to focus on the surroundings in which these offenders live.

The Police have a significant role to play in ridding society of substance users, Thiyagarajah said "We really need to look at alternate avenues of employment for these elements if we are to tackle this problem effectively," the Executive Director said.