In brief
The Bureau of Rehabilitation says the drug relapse rate among those who finished treatment fell to 19.21 percent in 2026, down from 24.5 percent in 2025. In its press briefing, Bureau Director General M.S. Hameed noted a rise in people remaining drug‑free and highlighted expanded awareness initiatives aimed at hotels and tourism workers. The agency urged those battling addiction to seek voluntary rehabilitation before legal action.
On November 6, 2026, the Sri Lankan Bureau of Rehabilitation declared that the nation’s drug relapse rate among individuals who completed rehabilitation programs dropped to 19.21 percent during the first ten months of the year, a decline from 24.5 percent recorded in 2025. The announcement was made at a media briefing in Colombo, the capital, where Bureau Director General M.S. Hameed outlined the latest figures and the bureau’s next steps.
The bureau’s statistics show that the share of people who remained free from dangerous drugs after completing treatment rose from 31.4 percent in 2025 to 45.18 percent between January 1 and October 30, 2026. That improvement of 13.78 percentage points marks one of the largest gains in Sri Lanka’s anti‑drug efforts to date.
In addition to the raw numbers, Hameed highlighted the national anti‑drug operation called “A Nation United” and the bureau’s plans to expand public‑service awareness campaigns, particularly focused on the tourism industry. He noted that 14 percent of those who sought treatment at the bureau’s centers are employed in hotels or other tourism‑related businesses.
To address the sector’s vulnerability, the bureau has carried out awareness programs in several districts, including Gampaha and parts of the Southern Province. Ahead of a scheduled program aimed at employees of major hotels in Sigiriya and Dambulla, the bureau announced that the next event will take place on November 9 in Dambulla, which will be the central venue for the initiative.
During the briefing, Hameed urged individuals still struggling with drug addiction and their families to seek voluntary rehabilitation rather than waiting for legal intervention. He said that the bureau’s increased outreach and improved retention rates demonstrate that earlier treatment and supportive measures can make a significant difference.
The bureau’s intensified collaboration with the hotel industry reflects a broader strategy to integrate drug‑relapse prevention into sectors that attract large numbers of tourists and provide high‑visibility employment environments. By targeting employees who interact with both local residents and visitors, the bureau aims to halt the spread of drug use and reduce relapse rates at a community level.
As the country moves into the next fiscal year, the Bureau of Rehabilitation intends to roll out additional programs across the island and to monitor relapse trends closely. The agency’s latest data signals progress, but it also underscores the need for sustained outreach and voluntary support services for those at risk of returning to drug use.
