“Govt. should impose death penalty” – Prof. Mahanamahewa

With Sri Lanka grappling with an alarming rise in drug-related crimes and the growing influence of organised underworld networks, legal expert and former Human Rights Commissioner Prof. Prathiba Mahanamahewa has urged the Government to consider reintroducing the death penalty on a temporary basis especially for notorious drug traffickers. He emphasised that if the Government intended to control the existing scale of drug menace, it needed to have stronger deterrents than the country’s present laws.

- By SHANIKA SRIYANANDA

Many underworld kingpins and serious offenders are involved in dangerous drug-related crimes. These culprits operate in organised gangs engaged in drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking, modern slavery, cybercrimes, money laundering, and immigration-related crimes.

In Sri Lanka, most suspects involved in organised crime have Interpol Red Notices, and there is now enhanced international cooperation among Asian countries. These criminals have accumulated billions in illicit wealth. With emerging drug cartels operating within Sri Lanka, the entire society is under threat.

At present, such offenders are detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) of 1979, as it allows authorities to hold suspects for 72 hours, and with approval, for 90 days or more. There is no other law that provides for this. For instance, the recently arrested five major drug smugglers are being held under the PTA.

If the PTA is abolished, as proposed, these criminals could be released or pardoned. The 2022 amendment to the PTA allows detention only under specific circumstances such as when there is clear evidence that the suspect might escape custody.

While some diaspora groups are advocating for the release of former LTTE cadres held under the PTA, the law is now also crucial for detaining dangerous organised criminals. Therefore, I urge the Government to introduce a National Security Act or a Patriotic Act, similar to the USA, to safeguard the country.

Currently, many criminals who are granted bail flee to Europe, particularly France and seek political or humanitarian asylum. Since the last execution in Sri Lanka on June 23, 1976, no one has been hanged, even though drug trafficking continues to rise. Some time ago, this issue became highly politicised, but the Government is now attempting to take control.