Former Human Rights Commissioner Prof. Prathiba Mahanamahewa has recommended that the government consider introducing the death penalty or a comparable alternative, on a short-term basis for large-scale drug traffickers, Lankadeepa newspaper reported.
Mahanamahewa cited international precedents where countries such as Singapore, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Vietnam and India have temporarily enforced the death penalty to curb serious drug-related crimes during peak periods of narcotics trade.
He further warned of a potential legal gap following the government’s recent decision to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). He noted that many organized criminals and drug traffickers currently detained under the PTA could be released, posing a significant risk.
To address this, Mahanamahewa stressed on the urgent need to pass new legislation focused on combating organized crime before the PTA is officially repealed.
He also called for the establishment of a fast-track judicial process for drug-related cases and strengthening of forensic and judicial mechanisms to expedite trials. Without such measures, he cautioned, offenders may exploit bail opportunities and flee the country once detention periods lapse. (Newswire)