He said that the NDDCB, is the sole government organization committed to implement national goals of prevention and control of drug abuse to make Sri Lanka the pioneer in managing outcomes and impact of drug related issues in South Asia.

"Drug addiction and other drug related issues are not personal matters. It is an international issue that all countries should address by controlling the supply and demand," he emphasised.

Dr.Samarasinghe pointed out that drug related issues badly affect the country's economy. The government has to spend a large amount of money for the rehabilitation and treatment of drug addicted people. A majority of the victims of drugs are teenagers. Therefore, the country loses the valuable human resource it needs to develop its economy and society, he stressed.