President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that his government would pursue constitutional changes deemed necessary to fight drug trafficking and crime, citing delays between arrests and sentencing as a key obstacle to effective law enforcement.
Speaking at the 160th anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Police on Thursday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake indicated the government's willingness to introduce constitutional amendments to strengthen the country's response to crime and drug trafficking. The president acknowledged that while police had conducted a record number of drug raids over the past two years, the effectiveness of these operations remained limited by procedural delays in the justice system.
The president identified prolonged gaps between arrest and punishment as a critical weakness that criminals exploit. He noted that investigating officers sometimes reach retirement age before cases conclude, and stressed that all institutions involved in the administration of justice must operate more efficiently. According to the president, the delay in imposing sentences encourages further criminal activity and undermines public confidence in the justice system.
The government has already introduced new legislation aimed at improving judicial efficiency, the president stated, and will implement necessary infrastructure changes. However, he framed constitutional amendments as a potential additional step if required to address systemic delays. The president expressed concern about public perceptions regarding the fate of seized drugs and arrested suspects, noting that citizens expect appropriate court-imposed penalties following proper legal proceedings.
The president assured police that the government remained committed to transforming Sri Lanka into a peaceful nation through strengthened institutional cooperation and legal reforms. He reiterated that constitutional changes would be pursued "without hesitation" if deemed necessary for public protection and national security.