No Final Decision on Death Penalty for Drug Crimes

COLOMBO (News 1st); The possibility of imposing the death penalty on individuals involved in drug trafficking has emerged as one of several proposals being considered as part of Sri Lanka's intensified efforts to combat the growing narcotics menace, although the government has not yet taken any decision on implementing such a measure.

The matter was discussed during the meeting of the "A Nation United" National Operations Committee, which convened yesterday (10) under the chairmanship of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as part of ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking, organized crime and related criminal activities.

The issue drew attention during today's Cabinet media briefing when journalists questioned whether the government was actively considering introducing capital punishment for drug-related offenders under the national anti-drug programme.

Responding to the question, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the proposal had merely been raised during discussions on the seriousness of the country's drug problem and does not represent an official government decision.

"No. It was simply a proposal or an idea put forward by certain parties during discussions on the seriousness of this issue. There is no final conclusion or position on how, or whether, it should be implemented."

The Minister emphasized that the proposal surfaced during broader discussions on the activities of organized criminal networks, drug traffickers and the social consequences of the narcotics trade.

Dr. Jayatissa stressed that no final policy decision has been reached on introducing the death penalty for drug trafficking offences and that the government has not adopted an official position on the matter.