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Drug addiction in Kandy district rises fivefold in 2025: Senior DIG
By Mangala Pavithrani
Colombo, Jan. 14 (Daily Mirror) - Drug addiction in the Kandy district has increased fivefold in 2025 compared to the previous year, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Central Province, Lalith Pathinayake, said yesterday.
Addressing the “Ratama Ekata” National Operation aimed at eradicating the drug menace, held at the Kandy District Secretariat, Senior DIG Pathinayake said police raid reports indicate a sharp rise in the circulation and use of narcotics in the district.
“According to raid reports, heroin seizures in the Kandy division have increased by about 1 kg and 200 grams in 2025, while the use of ice has risen fivefold to 3 kg and 23 grams,” he said.
He also revealed that during a recent random inspection of three passenger buses in Kandy, three drivers and two conductors were found to be using heroin and ice, raising serious concerns over public safety.
Senior DIG Pathinayake warned that one of the most alarming trends is the growing number of women in high social positions and schoolchildren becoming addicted to drugs.
He highlighted that Sri Lanka has increasingly become a hub for international drug trafficking and that law enforcement alone cannot eradicate the menace. “The support of the entire society is essential to eliminate this threat,” he said.
Pathinayake further said that several drug networks operating in Kandy are controlled from overseas and said individuals known as “Nuwara Akka,” “Matale Akka,” and “Kudu Saima” have been identified by police as key figures involved in supplying drugs to the district.
Authorities said intensified operations will continue as part of the nationwide campaign to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse.
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