Jointly organised by the Bureau of Rehabilitation and Browns Hotels & Resorts, the third staff awareness programme on addiction, drug prevention, and rehabilitation was held on 9th November 2026 at the Hotel Sigiriya premises. The programme was conducted for staff members of Hotel Sigiriya, The Paradise, and Ayugiri Wellness Resort.

Organised following an invitation from the hotel chain under the guidance of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eksath Wijeratne, and upon the invitation of Hotel General Manager Mr Harintha Jayawardena, Operations Manager Mr Kumara Mapa, and Manager Administration Brigadier (Retd) Lucky Raymond, the session featured an address by Additional Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Brigadier Prasanna Priyalal. He enlightened participants on the tendencies of youth working in the foreign-exchange-earning tourism sector falling into drug addiction, their professional and social responsibilities, the adverse consequences of working while addicted to drugs, the resulting damage to the workplace, the rehabilitation of individuals affected by addiction, and the voluntary rehabilitation process offered by the Bureau of Rehabilitation.

Furthermore, Senior Psychological Counsellor and Psychotherapist Dr Chaminda Weerasiriwardena, who joined as a key resource person, provided a comprehensive psychological explanation of the nature of addiction, brain function and how it leads to substance abuse and misconduct, emotional management, stress classification, behavioural impacts, and counselling for maintaining a safe working environment.

In addition, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Asoka Dharmasena of the Police Narcotic Bureau, also serving as a resource person, delivered a timely and insightful lecture covering the classification of illicit drugs,the destructive consequences of substance abuse on the youth, the proliferation of narcotics, the dangerous aspects and social impacts of drug use, and the prevailing legal framework.

Staff members representing all operational departments of the respective establishments participated in the programme.