# Substance abuse crisis in Sri Lanka

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/substance-abuse-crisis-in-sri-lanka
> Updated: 2026-08-28T13:28:08.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Academic experts in Sri Lanka have raised alarms regarding a widespread substance abuse crisis affecting both the student population and the general public.

Professor Amila Isuru of Rajarata University reported that approximately 70% to 80% of male university students who drop out are reportedly affected by drug addiction. He warned that traffickers are specifically targeting students and schoolchildren, creating a cycle of addiction driven by withdrawal symptoms rather than pleasure.

Expanding on the national impact, Dr. Manoj Fernando, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Rajarata University, estimated that between 80 and 100 people die daily in Sri Lanka due to alcohol and substance abuse. He noted that smoking is a leading contributor, with alcohol and illicit drugs each accounting for an estimated 10 to 15 deaths per day. Dr. Fernando highlighted a gateway effect, observing that many heroin and cannabis users have histories of smoking or alcohol consumption.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Sri Lanka substance abuse linked to 80–100 daily deaths

An academic reports that between 80 and 100 people die daily in Sri Lanka due to alcohol, smoking, and illicit drug use, noting that legal substances often serve as a gateway to narcotics.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sri-lanka-substance-abuse-linked-to-80100-daily-deaths

### 2026-08-21: Sri Lanka university students face growing drug addiction crisis

A psychiatry professor warns that 70% to 80% of male university dropouts in Sri Lanka are affected by drug addiction, highlighting a growing crisis among the youth.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sri-lanka-university-students-face-growing-drug-addiction-crisis

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Cite as: Substance abuse crisis in Sri Lanka. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/substance-abuse-crisis-in-sri-lanka