Drug use in the Kandy District has risen sharply in 2025 compared to 2024, according to Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Central Province, Lalith Pathinayake.
He revealed that during a random inspection of three passenger buses operating in Kandy, all three drivers and two conductors were found to have used ice and heroin.
Senior DIG Pathinayake made these remarks while participating in the “National Operation Together”, a programme aimed at eradicating the drug menace, held at the Kandy District Secretariat.
Elaborating on the situation, Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake stated that drug abuse has become an extremely serious threat in the district. He noted that police raid reports indicate a significant increase in drug circulation in 2025. According to these reports, heroin seizures in the Kandy Division have increased by approximately 1 kilogram and 200 grams, while the use of ice has risen nearly fivefold, reaching 3 kilograms and 23 grams in 2025.
He further pointed out that a large number of employees in the passenger transport sector are addicted to narcotics. During the random inspections carried out, the drivers and conductors of all three buses tested were found to have used drugs at the time.
Highlighting the broader social impact, Senior DIG Pathinayake warned that the danger extends beyond what is commonly perceived. He stated that even women holding high-level positions, whom society would not expect, are becoming heavily involved in drug use. He also expressed concern over the involvement of schoolchildren, describing the situation as deeply distressing.
He added that Sri Lanka has effectively become a hub for drug traffickers and stressed that the police alone cannot eliminate this threat. Calling for collective action, he emphasized that public cooperation is essential to successfully eradicate the drug menace from the country.
