Heroin in Jaffna

In the past three months, 10 lives were lost to heroin addiction in Jaffna (SRI Lanka). Additionally, 185 patients are currently receiving treatment for withdrawal symptoms and psychological side-effects of drug addiction in psyhciatry clinics across Jaffna. More than 300 persons in the Jaffna prison system are currently affected by drug addiction, pertaining to heroin. What is causing the sudden increase in heroin addiction? Dr. Sathiyamoorthy suggests that it could be due to an increase in supplies available. There has been an observed trend mainly in High school students as well. It is believed that the rise in heroin use among school students can be due to the false belief that heroin can help them study for classes or relieve academic stress.

Some believe that it is caused by the Sri Lankan government, allowing for sale in the Northeast areas where Tamils live. This is another aspect of genocide against Tamil people. The government  continues to capture and seize Tamil land and destroy their places of worship. Sri Lankan forces continue to push Tamils to leave their homes and live in camps. The international community continues to be silent as other countries continue to support the Sri Lankan government despite their atrocities against Tamils.