New Bill Aims to Dismantle Organized Crime Networks Nationwide

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has moved a step closer to introducing a comprehensive legal framework to combat organized crime, with Cabinet granting approval to publish and present a new Anti-Organized Crime Bill in Parliament.

The proposed legislation, which has already received clearance from the Attorney General, was submitted jointly by the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Public Security, along with the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.

According to the Government, the primary objective of the Bill is to provide the legal provisions required to protect society from the growing threats posed by organized criminal groups, while strengthening the country's ability to prevent, detect and respond to serious criminal offences.

Another key objective of the Bill is to facilitate the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, while strengthening both national and international cooperation in the fight against organized criminal activities that extend across borders.

Cabinet had granted initial approval for the drafting of a new law on the prevention of organized crime during its meeting held on March 30.