Rathana Thera pointed out that the government has decided not to grant new liquor licenses in future and the government has also taken a number of measures to reduce the demand and supply of illegal drugs.

Drug abuse is one of the prominent problems that affects the country in many aspects including social, economic, educational and health. The most highlighting issue with regard to drug abuse is that Prisons in Sri Lanka accommodate approximately 40 percent of drug related offenders compelling the Government to spend large sums of money on them. So it has become a glaring problem for the country as they have become a burden to the country's economy and also to the society, The Ven.Thera added.

The NDDCB is dedicated to take measures actively and consistently, to nullify the demand and supply of illegal drugs within the country and currently engages in compilation and implementation of the national policy regarding drug abuse and related areas, and organizing drug prevention programmes in collaboration with other organizations and departments.

The NDDCB also promotes treatment methodologies and rehabilitation activities as well as conducting field work, workshops and maintenance of database. NDDCB is planning to build up a social atmosphere to urge each and every drug user to get themselves free from drugs and come for treatment voluntarily and hopes to reduce the drug demand in the community, Rathana Thera said.