– Rehabilitation programs are currently being provided to 1,506 of the 4,962 inmates convicted by courts for drug-related offences, officials told the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection.The officials said the programmes are provided to inmates referred for rehabilitation under court orders as well as those who voluntarily seek rehabilitation.

The matter was discussed when the Committee met recently at Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Dr. Najith Indika, with officials from the Department of Prisons, Department of Community Based Corrections, Bureau of Rehabilitation and National Dangerous Drugs Control Board participating.

Prison officials noted that rehabilitation opportunities cannot currently be provided to all inmates serving sentences for various offences.Meanwhile, officials of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board said steps are being taken to expand rehabilitation programs for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Plans have also been prepared to recruit the required personnel and strengthen rehabilitation programs at the Divisional Secretariat level across the country.

The Committee also discussed the social acceptance of rehabilitated individuals and difficulties they face when obtaining certificates of good character.Members stressed the need to amend relevant laws and regulations to make the rehabilitation process more effective and facilitate the reintegration of rehabilitated individuals into society.