During a recent meeting of the Select Committee of Parliament convened to address the eradication of the drug menace in the country, the Justice Ministry disclosed that the Supreme Court has granted permission to destroy 100 kilograms of narcotics. Set dates for the destruction of these drugs were also established, marking a pivotal step in combating drug-related issues.
Chaired by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, the committee discussed proposals and public feedback received from government institutions on immediate measures to control and eliminate the drug menace. All institutions and attendees were provided with copies of these submissions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive analysis and discussion.
In a presentation by the Attorney General’s Department, existing gaps and challenges in the arrest and judicial process concerning drug use and distribution were highlighted. The committee acknowledged that due to deficiencies in the current judicial process following drug-related arrests, even major drug traffickers evade legal consequences. This spurred discussions on the necessity for appropriate policy and legal remedies to address these shortcomings.
State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola and Members of Parliament Jayantha Samaraweera, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Buddhika Pathirana, Manjula Dissanayake, and Muditha Prishanthi were among those present at the meeting, indicating a concerted effort among various governmental bodies to confront this critical issue.
