Between 80 and 100 people die every day in Sri Lanka due to drug abuse, according to Dr. Manoj Fernando, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Rajarata University and a member of the Sri Lanka Medical Association’s Expert Committee on Drugs.
Dr. Fernando made the remarks while participating in a press conference held in connection with the “Ratama Ekata” national operation, aimed at raising awareness and strengthening efforts to combat substance abuse in the country.
He said the impact of drug use extends beyond deaths, with a large number of people suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to the use of harmful substances.
Dr. Fernando stressed the serious health burden caused by drug abuse and highlighted the need for continued national-level action to address the problem and protect public health.
The “Ratama Ekata” initiative is expected to further strengthen public awareness and encourage coordinated efforts to prevent substance abuse and its harmful consequences.
