Silent epidemic: Youth drug addiction and toll on Sri Lanka’s future

Addressing drug addiction among Sri Lanka’s youth requires a multi-faceted approach that combines prevention, treatment, and reintegration

Drug addiction among Sri Lanka’s youth has emerged as a pressing social and economic challenge. The increasing prevalence of substance abuse, particularly among adolescents and young adults, poses significant threats to the nation’s human resources and economic development. This article explores the scope of the issue, its adverse effects on human capital, and the Government’s policies and rehabilitation efforts from 2020 to 2024.

Sri Lanka has witnessed a troubling rise in drug addiction among its younger population. According to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), the number of drug-related arrests reached 152,979 in 2022, with heroin and cannabis being the most commonly abused substances. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of these arrests involved individuals aged 15 to 25, highlighting the vulnerability of the youth to substance abuse.

The misuse of prescription medications, such as painkillers, has also become a growing concern. These drugs are often used as substitutes for illegal substances, further complicating the addiction landscape. The economic crisis in 2022 exacerbated the situation, leading to a 13% increase in drug-related arrests.

The impact of drug addiction on Sri Lanka’s human resources is profound. Substance abuse undermines the physical and mental health of individuals, reducing their productivity and employability. Young people who fall victim to addiction often drop out of school or college, limiting their educational and professional prospects. This loss of potential talent weakens the nation’s workforce and hampers economic growth.

Moreover, the social stigma associated with drug addiction creates barriers to reintegration into society and the workforce. Families and communities bear the burden of supporting addicted individuals, diverting resources that could otherwise contribute to economic development. The healthcare system also faces increased pressure due to the rising demand for treatment and rehabilitation services.

Recognising the urgency of the issue, the Sri Lankan Government has implemented several policies and initiatives to combat drug addiction. The National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Drug Abuse, spearheaded by the NDDCB, serves as the cornerstone of these efforts. Key components of the policy include:

Law enforcement: Strengthening measures to curb drug trafficking and distribution. The deployment of K-9 units and intensified raids near schools are examples of proactive steps taken.

Education and awareness: Conducting community-based prevention programs to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.

Rehabilitation and treatment: Expanding access to evidence-based treatment programs that align with international standards. The Government has collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance the availability of community-based rehabilitation services.

Despite the challenges, Sri Lanka has made notable progress in its rehabilitation efforts. Between 2020 and 2024, the government and non-governmental organisations have worked tirelessly to provide treatment and support to individuals struggling with addiction. Key achievements include:

Increased access to treatment: Over 600 stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and community leaders, have been trained in evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches.

Community-based programs: The shift from long-term, involuntary residential treatment centres to community-based programs has improved accessibility and outcomes.

Reduction in relapse rates: Enhanced focus on science-based and human-rights-oriented approaches has contributed to a decline in relapse rates among rehabilitated individuals.

Addressing drug addiction among Sri Lanka’s youth requires a multi-faceted approach that combines prevention, treatment, and reintegration. Strengthening partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and international bodies is crucial to sustaining progress. Additionally, fostering a supportive environment that reduces stigma and promotes recovery can help individuals rebuild their lives and contribute to society.

Investing in the well-being of the younger generation is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. By tackling the root causes of addiction and enhancing the resilience of its human resources, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

Sri Lanka’s current Government’s commitment to a corruption-free approach, as highlighted by initiatives like the “Clean Sri Lanka” campaign, has garnered international recognition for fostering transparency and governance. This foundation is crucial for addressing systemic issues like drug trafficking and addiction.

As a small island nation, Sri Lanka has a strategic advantage in monitoring and controlling its sea borders and airspace. The country’s maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are well-defined, and efforts like the Integrated Border Management Strategy aim to enhance national security and economic growth. Collaborative exercises with neighbouring countries, such as India, further strengthen maritime and aerial surveillance.

Several countries have implemented successful initiatives to combat drug addiction and move toward a drug-free society such as Iceland’s youth program, Sweden’s restrictive drug policy, Singapore’s zero-tolerance policy and Portugal’s Decriminalisation model. Understanding and modelling such methods would help the nation to fast track addressing the issue.

(The writer is a Canberra-based economist.)