October 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is preparing to establish model villages dedicated to preventing drug abuse in every Divisional Secretariat Division, as authorities seek to strengthen rehabilitation services and tackle the spread of narcotics at community level.
Shantha Gamage, Director of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Division of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, said the initiative would combine efforts to support people struggling with drug addiction with measures to prevent substance abuse from taking root in local communities.
The programme is expected to bring together law enforcement officers, community policing teams, Grama Niladharis and voluntary organisations, creating a coordinated network to identify problems early and connect affected individuals with appropriate assistance.
Rather than relying solely on enforcement, the initiative aims to encourage community participation in prevention and rehabilitation. Local officials and organisations are expected to play an important role in raising awareness, identifying vulnerable individuals and helping those affected by addiction access support.
Gamage said preparations were under way to train the officers involved, with the training programme expected to be completed by the end of October.
The initiative is scheduled to operate over a two-year period, during which the model villages are expected to serve as local platforms for strengthening drug prevention efforts and supporting recovery.
Authorities hope the nationwide approach will help communities respond more effectively to drug-related problems by combining prevention, rehabilitation and cooperation between public institutions and residents.
