News and events

CHRD and NDDCB launch drug awareness initiative for Government officers in Vellanai division

2025-10-28

Vellanai, Jaffna October 28, 2025 In response to the growing threat of drug abuse across the Northern Province, the Centre for Human Rights and Development CHRD, in partnership with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board NDDCB, conducted a landmark sensitization session for government officers at the Island South Vellanai Divisional Secretariat. The program brought together 26 officers from multiple departments, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to drugrelated challenges in their communities.

Mr Rashad, the NorthEast Coordinator of the NDDCB and a member of the national Rataama Ekkata Committee, led the session. His interactive presentation highlighted early identification of substance use risks, psychosocial impacts on families, and the urgent need for communitybased prevention. Officers were trained on types of drugs, stages of addiction, and practical interventions, while also engaging in critical dialogue about law enforcement accountability, systemic corruption, and gaps in prevention infrastructure.

A key highlight was the discussion around vulnerable waraffected families in the North and East, where CHRD is working to create safe, nonmilitarized rehabilitation referral systems. Participants committed to sharing realtime updates from their work and contributing to a revived districtlevel drug prevention network. CHRD has now received approval to officially operate in underserved island divisions such as Velanai, Kayts, Maruthankerny, and Neduntheevu.

The program has emerged as a crucial frontline initiative aimed at safeguarding children and vulnerable families. Amid the lingering trauma of Sri Lankas conflict, the growing spread of drugs in waraffected areas threatens to deepen psychological wounds and social instability. Local Women Development Officers have highlighted the urgency of coordinated community responses to address both the residual effects of war and the rising tide of substance abuse.

The report underscores that drugrelated crimes are rising sharply, especially among youth. Officers pointed out the presence of Kerala ganja near the school premises and expressed concern over ineffective prevention efforts. Recommendations from the session call for the integration of drug education in school curricula, the use of theatre and media to reach youth, stricter enforcement, and capacity building of teachers and community leaders.