Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara says the government is not prepared to show any leniency toward individuals involved in drug dealing.
The minister said 9,081 Government Analyst reports were issued during August alone as part of efforts to clear delays and expedite cases.
Nanayakkara made the remarks during a discussion at the Mahara Prison on Sept. 1 on establishing a coordinated mechanism to respond to emergencies within prisons and streamline inmate welfare measures.
He said measures had been introduced to address delays in Government Analyst reports, including providing the department with the necessary recruitment and facilities.
According to the minister, around 500 Government Analyst reports relating to inmates at the Mahara Prison were issued during August.
Addressing remand prisoners, Nanayakkara urged them not to return to drug-related offences after their release.
“Do not get involved in drug-related offences again after leaving prison. Try to become a good person in society. But we are not prepared to show any mercy to those who sell drugs,” the minister said.
He also told inmates that they form part of Sri Lanka’s workforce and have a responsibility to contribute to the country’s progress.
During the visit, the minister inspected several areas of the Mahara Prison that had been damaged by fire during a recent incident involving inmates, including the chief jailer’s office, rehabilitation section and weaving-related sections.
Officials from the Prisons Department, Police, Air Force, Navy, Ceylon Electricity Board, fire services and other state institutions participated in discussions on the proposed emergency coordination mechanism. (Newswire)