Death penalty mulled for drug-related offences
The “A Nation United” (Ratama Ekata) National Steering Council focused on the imposition of the death penalty for drug-related offences, amid concerns that the dangerous drug menace has now extended beyond individual relationships and poses a serious threat to the entire economic and social fabric, with the situation continuing to worsen.
The matter was discussed when the “A Nation United” National Steering Council met at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (Aug. 10), under the chairmanship of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Council discussed the need to enforce stringent laws to counter the criminal environment created by the vast wealth generated through drug trafficking, which has now become a major threat to the economy, tourism industry and the system of social values, and to build a society that is not fearful of drug trafficking and related crime.
President Dissanayake stressed the need to create practical action and an urgent change in attitudes within the country to eradicate the dangerous drug menace, which is destroying the entire social fabric and preying on future generations. He also said the Government expects the active contribution of religious leaders, parents and community organisations towards this effort.
The meeting also held extensive discussions on the institutional transformation required in response to the depth of this national crisis.
It was noted that amendments to laws relating to drug control and the bail process have already been drafted and are at the final stage, and that they are due to be gazetted and presented to Parliament expeditiously.
It was also noted that the process of issuing Government Analyst’s reports, which had contributed to delays in drug-related cases, has been significantly expedited, with 6,414 Government Analyst’s reports issued in July alone.
The President instructed officials to introduce a specific data classification based on the quantities of drugs seized, such as less than 5 grammes, less than 10 grammes and so forth, in order to expedite legal proceedings involving those in custody due to delays in Government Analyst’s reports.
He also instructed officials to establish a systematic process for close coordination among the Government Analyst’s Department, Police and Prisons Department, so that suspects can be produced before court as soon as the relevant reports are received.
The President also inquired about measures taken to increase the capacity of the Government Analyst’s Department and expand its facilities.
It was noted that the support of the Navy is being obtained to address staff shortages. The President also instructed that funds be allocated for the installation of a security camera system.
The current situation in prisons was also discussed extensively. It was revealed that property damage caused by unrest in recent days at the prisons in Negombo, Mahara, Magazine, Pallansena and Kuruwita had exceeded Rs. 255 million.
The meeting also discussed increasing access to the services of psychiatrists to help reduce unruly behaviour among prison inmates.
The President also instructed officials to expedite the presentation to Parliament of the draft amendment to the Rehabilitation Act, No. 54 of 2007. He further instructed that experienced retired officers be recruited on a contractual basis to expedite work and overcome delays at the Legal Draftsman’s Department.
The progress of the “Mituru Pasala” programme, jointly implemented by the Ministries of Education and Health to prevent the spread of drugs within the school system, was also reviewed.
It was noted that special attention is being paid to the personality development of students, while teachers, principals and counsellors are being trained to identify children who use drugs and provide them with guidance.
The President instructed officials to implement special programmes focusing particularly on schools in areas with a high risk of drug use and high population density.
It was also revealed that the trend of the spread of dangerous drugs among children attending international schools has increased, prompting special attention from the Steering Council.
The meeting also discussed the availability of drug-testing kits through pharmacies, enabling parents to privately test whether their children are addicted to drugs, as well as the importance of parents remaining vigilant about their children’s wellbeing.
Attention was also drawn to groups promoting drugs through the internet and social media. The possibility of using social media to promote anti-drug attitudes within society was also discussed.
The meeting also reviewed progress on programmes being implemented under the Multisectoral National Strategic Plan, jointly carried out by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media; Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education; Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs; National Dangerous Drugs Control Board; Bureau of Rehabilitation; Sri Lanka Police; Tri-Forces; Department of Community Corrections; Department of Prisons; Department of Probation and Childcare Services; National Child Protection Authority; Department of Social Services; and the “Praja Shakthi” programme.
The programmes are being implemented under six revised strategic areas: prevention of drug use; early identification; rehabilitation; legal amendments and institutional changes; prevention of relapse and follow-up; and planning, regulation, review and reporting.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Anu Nayaka Thera of the Malwathu Chapter; Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thera, Anu Nayaka Thera of the Asgiri Chapter; Ven. Waleboda Gunasiri Thera, Anu Nayaka Thera of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya; and Ven. Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Thera, as well as clergy including Rev. Fr. Jude Bernard, Sri Velu Suresh Sharma Kurukkal, Muththusamy Alagesan Kurukkal and Sheikh Mohamed Arkam Nooramith Moulavi, were also present.
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage; Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd); Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ayesha Jinaseena; ministry secretaries and officials; Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya; senior officers of the security forces and others also attended the meeting.
(President’s Media Division)
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