The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has revealed that the highest number of drug-addicted schoolchildren in Sri Lanka is from the Western Province, with Colombo District recording the largest share.

Children from low-income areas such as Grandpass, Thotalanga, Slave Island, Angulana, Keselwatte, Panadura, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, and Hikkaduwa have been identified as particularly vulnerable. Some areas in Kandy, as well as the Gampaha, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Galle, Ratnapura, and Kalutara districts, have also been flagged as high-risk.

The NDDCB cited peer pressure, poor implementation of school drug policies, and lack of engagement from school authorities as major factors driving addiction. Broken family environments, poverty, and the easy availability of drugs were also highlighted as key contributors.

To tackle the issue, the NDDCB is rolling out prevention programmes targeting schools, families, workplaces, and communities, alongside media campaigns and policy initiatives. Students identified through screening tests are referred for counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and, where possible, reintegration into education or vocational training.

Meanwhile, police have arrested 206 children for drug-related offences between 1 January and 31 August, with 39 placed on probation. Three individuals accused of introducing children to drugs have also been arrested.