Sri Lanka, Oct. 31 -- The launch of the National Mission to Eradicate Dangerous Drugs by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday, could not have come at a more appropriate time, especially in the present context where drug use among our youth has continued to witness a steep upward trend. Hardly a day passes without the media reporting a narcotics related murder. Once peaceful homes are also now witnessing disruption due to drug addicted sons demanding money from the parents for their "fix". Household items are also stolen for the same purpose. The drug habit among youth is growing fast, claiming among their victims even young schoolgirls and boys.

In fact, the drug menace has expanded to cover hitherto unexpected realms, with stude...