November 05, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has indicated that the government is willing to revise key provisions of the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, including reducing the permitted detention period from 72 hours to 48 hours, following concerns expressed by those challenging the legislation.
Speaking at an event marking the first anniversary of the Government’s ‘Nation United – National Drive’ (Ratama Ekata) drug eradication initiative today (05), the President outlined three areas in the proposed legislation that could be amended in response to public and legal objections.
These include the duration for which suspects may be detained, provisions concerning tattoos as a means of identifying individuals associated with criminal gangs, and the proposed inclusion of offences covered by the Excise Ordinance.
President Dissanayake said the Government was prepared to communicate its willingness to revise all three provisions to the Supreme Court, where petitions challenging the Bill are currently under consideration.
Addressing the proposed detention provision, he acknowledged concerns about granting authorities the power to hold suspects for up to 72 hours without the usual legal process. He said the Government was prepared to bring this period down to 48 hours as a measure to address those objections.
The President also acknowledged the debate surrounding the identification of organised crime suspects through tattoos. Although similar practices are employed in other countries, he said the Government would consider removing the provision if it was deemed inappropriate within the Sri Lankan context.
Another proposed adjustment would see offences under the Excise Ordinance excluded from the scope of the new law, addressing concerns that the legislation could extend beyond its intended purpose.
The President further emphasised that the Government remained willing to engage with human rights organisations, civil society representatives and other stakeholders who had raised reservations about the proposed legislation.
Explaining the need for the Bill, he said organised criminal groups had expanded their influence and capabilities, creating challenges that existing legal provisions were not specifically designed to address. He noted that authorities had previously relied on certain provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act when dealing with organised criminal activity.
He argued that the country needed a dedicated legal framework to respond effectively to the changing nature of organised crime, adding that legislation must keep pace with emerging threats and developments in society.
However, President Dissanayake rejected suggestions that the proposed law was intended to undermine citizens’ fundamental rights or provide unchecked authority to the Government, Police or other enforcement agencies.
He maintained that the legislation was being introduced to strengthen the country’s response to organised criminal networks, while making clear that the Government was prepared to reconsider contentious provisions to address legitimate concerns.
The proposed amendments signal a willingness by the administration to adjust the legislation as it moves through the judicial process, while maintaining its broader objective of tackling organised crime and improving public security.
