Sri Lanka Examines Tougher Drug Laws as Government Steps Up Anti-Narcotics Drive
August 11, Colombo (LNW): The Government is considering tougher legal measures against drug-related crime, including the possible introduction of the death penalty for certain narcotics offences, as authorities step up efforts to tackle the country’s expanding drug problem.
The issue was raised at a meeting of the ‘Ratama Ekata’ National Operations Council chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.
Officials told the meeting that the narcotics trade had developed into a much broader national problem, extending beyond drug abuse to organised criminal activity and the circulation of large amounts of illicit money. The growing drug economy was identified as a potential threat to Sri Lanka’s economic stability, tourism sector and wider social wellbeing.
The President stressed that combating the problem would require both stronger enforcement and a change in public attitudes towards drug trafficking and related criminal activity. He also called for greater involvement from religious leaders, parents and community organisations in efforts to prevent drug abuse and protect younger generations.
Legal reforms are already being prepared. Proposed amendments covering narcotics offences and bail are reportedly nearing completion and are expected to be published in the Government Gazette before being submitted to Parliament.
The meeting also reviewed delays in drug-related court proceedings caused by the processing of forensic evidence. Authorities reported a significant improvement in the handling of Government Analyst reports, with 6,414 reports completed during July alone.
To further reduce delays involving suspects held in custody, the President directed officials to develop a system for grouping cases according to the quantity of drugs allegedly seized, including separate categories for cases involving less than five grams and less than 10 grams.
He also called for closer coordination between the Government Analyst’s Department, Police and Prisons Department so that suspects can be brought before courts promptly once the necessary analytical reports have been completed.
The capacity of the Government Analyst’s Department was another issue considered by the council, with officials reviewing measures to expand its facilities and resources. Support provided by the Sri Lanka Navy was also noted.
President Dissanayake further instructed authorities to make the required financial allocations for expanding surveillance camera coverage.
Conditions within the prison system also came under scrutiny. The council was informed that disturbances at prisons in Negombo, Mahara, Magazine, Pallansena and Kuruwita had caused property damage estimated at more than Rs. 255 million.
The meeting also considered expanding access to psychiatric services within prisons, with the aim of addressing behavioural and mental health issues among inmates and reducing the likelihood of violent incidents.
The Government’s wider approach therefore combines stricter enforcement and possible legal changes with faster court procedures, improved prison management and greater community involvement in preventing drug abuse.
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