Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has declared zero tolerance for drug traffickers while announcing measures to improve prison conditions and accelerate forensic report processing.
The government will maintain a strict approach toward individuals involved in drug trafficking, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated during a visit to Mahara Prison on Wednesday. Speaking at a discussion on prison emergency response mechanisms, the Minister emphasized that those engaged in narcotics sales would receive no leniency from authorities.
Addressing systemic delays in the criminal justice process, Minister Nanayakkara noted that pending forensic reports had historically created bottlenecks. The government has now completed recruitment for the Government Analyst's Department and extended working hours to clear the backlog. According to the Minister, 9,081 forensic reports were issued in August alone, with authorities targeting completion of all outstanding reports within two months.
The Justice Minister acknowledged that not all incarcerated individuals should be labeled as criminals, suggesting that some prisoners convicted of single offences deserved rehabilitation opportunities. He urged inmates to avoid returning to drug-related crimes after release and to contribute productively to society. During his prison visit, the Minister inspected areas damaged in a recent incident where inmates allegedly set fires to several facility sections, including administrative offices and vocational divisions.
Regarding prison security, joint emergency response mechanisms have been established across 15 facilities to identify potential problems, coordinate rapid responses during crises, and enhance inmate welfare. The Minister praised support provided by police, the Special Task Force, and armed forces during recent prison incidents. At Mahara Prison specifically, 500 forensic reports relating to cases were completed during the previous month.