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A recent study has revealed that most drug addicts including ICE addicts in Sri Lanka have education levels below the Ordinary Level (O/L) and have now become a burden to the state as they require intense rehabilitation and remain unemployed. The research, conducted by Prof. Wasantha Athukorala and his team from the University of Peradeniya, analyzed prison data and patterns of drug-related offences in 2023. According to their findings, 185,056 individuals were imprisoned for various crimes in 2023. Of these, 46,939 were convicted, with 29,192 cases directly linked to drugs. The study found that the majority of addicts were arrested in four key districts: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Kurunegala. Regarding age, 8,491 individuals of the convicted were between 22 and 30 years old, while 8,941 were aged 30–40, indicating that young and middle-aged adults remain the most affected group. The study also pointed to a growing number of female addicts. “The increasing involvement of women in drug abuse is a new trend that requires immediate attention from policymakers and health authorities,” Prof. Athukorala noted. The study comes at a time when Sri Lanka is grappling with the widespread availability of ICE and other illicit substances, making drug addiction a major social and public health challenge. Meanwhile, the ICE crisis has also taken a political turn. In recent weeks, the names of several politicians have surfaced in connection with the manufacturing and distribution of ICE in Sri Lanka. Investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement authorities have hinted that powerful individuals may have played a role in facilitating the production and movement of the drug within the country. Speaking of the rehabilitation in Sri Lanka, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board monitors and assists the drug treatment process and rehabilitation process of private and designated treatment centres in Sri Lanka. In addition, it provides knowledge and technical advisers to these treatment centres for developing an appropriate rehabilitation process. When a person is convicted of drug offences, they will be imprisoned and provided with drug treatment and rehabilitation in prisons such as Ambepussa, Weerawila, Kalutara, Pallansena, Watareka, Anuradhapura, Meethirigala, Kandewaththa, Thaldena, Pallekele and the Kandakadu Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre. Furthermore, the Treatment and Rehabilitation Division of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board operates these centres aimed at helping drug users rebuild their lives and reduce the social disruptions caused by addiction. The programme runs for more than a year, beginning with a two-month residential stay, followed by relapse-prevention support. A shorter 14-day paid programme is also available. Families are encouraged to play an active role in the recovery process, especially in helping clients cope with difficult feelings. Treatment activities include group, individual and family counseling, psycho-education sessions, art and music therapy, stress management practices such as yoga and meditation, and both indoor and outdoor recreation. Vocational training and agricultural activities are also part of the programme to prepare clients for reintegration into society. Each centre provides basic but clean accommodation, balanced meals, and a structured daily routine. Trained counselors and support staff work closely with clients and their families, with monthly follow-up meetings and gatherings designed to maintain progress after completion of the programme. Speaking senior official at the National Dangerous Control Board said Sri Lanka currently has adequate rehabilitation centres; however, stressed the need to establish more in order to ease the congestion at the existing centres.