The government has not yet reached a final decision on a proposal to impose the death penalty on those involved in drug trafficking, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today (11).

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Minister Jayatissa said the proposal had been raised by certain parties during discussions at the “A Nation United” (Ratama Ekata) national steering council on the seriousness of drug trafficking, organised crime and related activities.

He said the proposal was among several suggestions put forward during the discussions, but no final conclusion or consensus has been reached on the matter.

Minister Jayatissa said the government would consider the proposal further before deciding how to proceed.

The 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 President’s Media Division said in a statement yesterday.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Council held at the Presidential Secretariat, 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 PMD noted.

President Dissanayake had also stressed the need for practical action and an urgent change in attitudes across society to eradicate the drug menace and protect future generations.

He 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.