Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved construction of a new correctional facility designed to provide residential treatment for drug offenders, addressing gaps in the existing community-based corrections system.

The Cabinet of Ministers has given approval for a correctional centre project in the Kekirawa area, with an estimated construction cost of Rs. 635 million. The facility will be built on 1.33 hectares of land and will focus on providing residential treatment and rehabilitation services for drug offenders who are referred through the court system.

The decision reflects concerns about limitations in the current community-based corrections framework, particularly the absence of adequate residential facilities for individuals struggling with severe drug addiction. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara brought the proposal before the Cabinet for consideration.

Under the Community-Based Corrections Act of 1999, courts are authorized to issue Community-Based Corrections Orders for minor offenders, including those convicted of drug and alcohol-related offences. These court orders direct offenders to participate in community-based correction programs designed to support recovery from addiction and facilitate their return to society. The rehabilitation programs aim to enhance the social and economic conditions of participants, helping them reconstruct their lives and function productively within their communities.