The “A Nation United” (Ratama Ekata) National Steering Council focused on the imposition of the death penalty for drug-related offences amid growing concerns over the impact of the drug menace on Sri Lanka’s economy and society.
The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Council held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (10), under the chairmanship of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The National Steering Council discussed the need to enforce stringent laws against the criminal networks and illicit wealth generated through drug trafficking, which were identified as posing a serious threat to the economy, tourism industry and social values, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
President Dissanayake stressed the need for practical action and an urgent change in attitudes across society to eradicate the drug menace and protect future generations.
He also called for the active participation of religious leaders, parents and community organisations in addressing the issue.
The meeting reviewed proposed amendments to laws relating to drug control and bail, which are reportedly at the final stage and are expected to be gazetted and presented to Parliament shortly, the PMD stated.
It was also revealed that 6,414 Government Analyst’s reports had been issued in July, following measures to expedite the process that had contributed to delays in drug-related cases.
The President instructed officials to introduce a classification system based on the quantities of drugs seized and establish a coordinated process involving the Government Analyst’s Department, Police and Prisons Department to expedite court proceedings once reports are received.
Measures to increase the capacity and facilities of the Government Analyst’s Department were also discussed, with the Sri Lanka Navy providing assistance to address staff shortages.
The meeting further reviewed the situation in prisons, including property damage exceeding Rs. 255 million caused by recent unrest at the Negombo, Mahara, Magazine, Pallansena and Kuruwita prisons.
The need to increase access to psychiatric services for inmates was also discussed, the PMD stated.
President Dissanayake instructed officials to expedite the submission to Parliament of amendments to the Rehabilitation Act No. 54 of 2007 and to recruit experienced retired officers on a contractual basis to address delays at the Legal Draftsman’s Department.
The progress of the “Mituru Pasala” programme, jointly implemented by the Ministries of Education and Health to prevent drug use among schoolchildren, was also reviewed.
The Council noted an increase in drug-related concerns among students attending international schools and called for special programmes targeting schools in high-risk and densely populated areas.
The meeting also discussed making drug-testing kits available through pharmacies to enable parents to privately test their children, as well as strengthening awareness of drug promotion through social media.
Progress under the Multisectoral National Strategic Plan was also reviewed. The plan covers six key areas: prevention of drug use, early identification, rehabilitation, legal and institutional reforms, prevention of relapse and follow-up, and planning, regulation, review and reporting, the PMD added.
Religious leaders, ministers, senior government officials, the Inspector General of Police, senior security forces officers and other officials participated in the meeting.
