Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe revealed yesterday that over 500,000 youth of Sri Lanka are addicted to narcotic drugs.
He was starting the debate on the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill in Parliament yesterday.
Minister Rajapakshe stated that male and female students of public schools are addicted to drugs, but thinking about the reputation of the respective schools, the school administration hides that information.
He further revealed that the Ministry has already received information that the dangerous drugs are being sold in pharmacies. The 61 drugs designated as prohibited in this country have been increased to 161 drugs with the amendment of the relevant act.
Methamphetamine, commonly known as the ‘ICE’ drug which was not named as a prohibited drug in this country until now, was named as a prohibited drug in this amendment.
Emphasizing the danger of Methamphetamine addiction, the Minister said that as it was revealed by the medical experts, the life expectancy of Methamphetamine addicts is less than two years since it can cause huge damage to the brain, kidneys, lungs, GI tract and other organs.
Minister Rajapakshe further said that the background was prepared to rob the resources of the Haitian state by providing them with free alcohol, therefore the country’s life expectancy has now decreased to 30-35 years and Sri Lanka has also reached such a situation.
Friday, November 11, 2022 – 01:00