President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government was prepared to discuss its proposed law to combat organised crime with groups advocating for human rights, democracy and fundamental rights, while stressing the need for strong legislation.
Speaking at the ‘Ratama Ekata’ national operation’s religious conference at Temple Trees yesterday (5), the President said the Government was willing to remove provisions if they were unnecessary or unsuitable for Sri Lanka.
He said some countries considered tattoo markings when identifying organised criminal gangs. If such an approach was unsuitable for Sri Lanka, or there was no need for such a provision, the Government was prepared to remove it, he added.
The President said he had no objection to proceeding without that particular provision when tackling organised crime.
Referring to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Dissanayake said he had opposed the legislation for many years and understood the suffering of those affected by it. He acknowledged that such a law was unnecessary.
He said the Government’s efforts to weaken the PTA and introduce new legislation should be understood in that context.
However, the President maintained that Sri Lanka needed a strong law to combat organised crime and said the proposed legislation would be presented to Parliament.
He claimed that opposition to the proposed law came from two groups, one of which benefited from the privileges and protection of organised criminals.
While he would disregard objections from that group, the President said the Government was ready to engage with those raising concerns about human rights, democracy and the fundamental rights of the public.
