Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2019-07-07

Amendment of the Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, No.54 of 2007

- The Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, No.54 of 2007 has been enacted for the regulation of the activities of the treatment and rehabilitation centres for persons addicted to drugs. However, the need for the amendment of the said Act has been identified to suit the present needs in order to more formalize the process pertaining to the treatment and rehabilitation of persons addicted to drugs and stimulants. Accordingly, the proposal made by H.E. the President, to amend the Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, No.54 of 2007 incorporating the facts such as regularizing the unctions and the appointment of the Director in‑charge of the treatment centre, regularizing the issuance, renewal and cancellation of licenses issued to private treatment centres, obtaining the services of the officers of the Department of Health Services and inclusion of the compulsory period of rehabilitation etc., was approved by the Cabinet.