NDDCB is the pioneer government institution which discharges its functions with an aim to eradicate the drug menace from Sri Lanka. Among the other functions, providing treatment to the drug dependants and rehabilitation of drug dependants are main roles of the NDDCB. Four treatment and rehabilitation centers are being conducted under the purview of the board throughout the country with greater focus in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and Gampaha Districts. Counseling service and residential treatment facilities are being provided for the drug addicts at these treatment centers.
In response to the growing drug problem in Sri Lanka in 1970s, a National Narcotics Advisory Board was established by the government in 1973 to co-ordinate the control measures. This was an ad-hoc committee chaired by the deputy minister of Defence and consisting of representatives from various ministries, departments and NGOs. The authority of the board, as implied in its name, was advisory in function and scope.
In the early 80s the government, having realized the seriousness of the problem, and in keeping with the obligations imposed by the 1961 single convention on narcotic drugs, initiated the process of formulating a comprehensive national policy in reduce drug abuse, and to draft legislation for the establishment of a National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.
In 1984, parliament enacted the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board Act No. 11 of 1984 and created the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board within the Ministry of Defence. The Board came into operation on the 9th of April 1984.
This Board was designated the principal national institution charged with the formulation and review of a national policy relating to prevention and control of the abuse of dangerous drugs and the treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers and was given power to advise and make recommendation to the minister on such policy.