COLOMBO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's drug relapse rate among individuals who completed rehabilitation programs declined to 19.21 percent in the first 10 months of 2026, compared with 24.5 percent in 2025, according to the Bureau of Rehabilitation.
Bureau Director General M.S. Hameed said the proportion of individuals 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.
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo on Thursday to raise awareness of the national anti-drug operation "A Nation United," Hameed said the bureau was also expanding its awareness programs targeting employees in the tourism industry.
According to the bureau, 14 percent of individuals who sought treatment at its rehabilitation centers were employed in the hotel and tourism sector.
Following requests from the hotel industry, the bureau has conducted awareness programs in several districts, including Gampaha and areas in the Southern Province.
A further awareness program targeting employees of major tourist hotels in Sigiriya and Dambulla is scheduled for November 9, with Dambulla serving as the central location.
Hameed also encouraged individuals struggling with drug addiction and their families to seek rehabilitation voluntarily rather than waiting for legal intervention. ■