COLOMBO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has designated 10 hospitals to treat individuals suffering from severe drug addiction, a senior minister told journalists on Monday.
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said the government will also establish an office for the National Council on Drug Control in Colombo.
The minister added that a circular has been issued on Monday instructing all state institutions, schools and universities across the country to set up drug-prevention committees. The move is part of a broader national campaign to eradicate drug abuse and strengthen institutional mechanisms against narcotics.
The minister also said the new office linked to the 1818 hotline of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board will open on Nov. 22 in Colombo.
Wijepala said curbing drugs and crime is a priority for the government.
The Sri Lankan government has recently stepped up its crackdown on drug-related crimes. On Oct. 30, a nationwide anti-narcotics campaign titled "A Nation United" was launched by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. ■
