The figure was revealed after a question posed by MP Buddhika Pathirana in parliament yesterday (23).

Speaking, Law and Order and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayake said that the government takes measures to prevent intoxicants going into the hands of schoolchildren, with the support of the Community Police.

He said the Presidential Task Force is also taking necessary measures while principals, teachers and parents will be briefed to control the situation.

It was noted that the students arrested were later directed for treatment at a centre in Hendessa, Kandy where they had been subjected to three month indoor psychiatric treatments.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Minister Gayantha Karunathilake said these students have been given an opportunity to learn subjects relevant to the school syllabus, fine arts and vocational training courses, psychological counselling and personality development activities, sports, music, arts and literature.