The government is considering the death penalty for drug-related offences as part of a tougher response to the growing threat posed by narcotics, the President’s Media Division said.
The issue was discussed at a meeting of the “Ratama Ekata” National Operations Council chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (10).
The meeting focused on the impact of drug trafficking and related criminal activity on the economy, tourism industry and social environment, with participants discussing the need for stronger laws and measures to curb the spread of narcotics.
President Dissanayake called for greater involvement from religious leaders, parents and community organisations in addressing the drug crisis and promoting a change in public attitudes toward narcotics and related crime.
The government is also preparing amendments to laws relating to drug control and bail. The amendments are in their final stages and are expected to be gazetted before being presented to Parliament.
Authorities have accelerated the processing of Government Analyst reports, which have contributed to delays in drug-related cases. A total of 6,414 analyst reports were issued in July alone, according to officials.
The President instructed officials to establish a system to classify seized drugs according to quantities, including less than 5 grams and less than 10 grams, and improve coordination between the Government Analyst’s Department, police and prisons to ensure suspects are brought before courts promptly once reports are received.
The meeting also reviewed measures to increase the capacity and facilities of the Government Analyst’s Department. Officials said the Navy’s assistance is also being obtained to support the processing of drug-related evidence.
The President further instructed officials to allocate funds required to install a security camera system. (Newswire)