Excise offences to be removed from Organised Crimes Bill, AG tells Supreme Court

Newsfirst, Newswire and WhatNews (සිංහල) report that the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court on November 9 that the Government intends to make several amendments to the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, which has been presented to Parliament. Newsfirst and WhatNews (සිංහල) say the changes are due to be put forward at the parliamentary committee stage.

Daily Mirror and Ada Derana report that the planned revisions include removing provisions that would allow organised-crime connections to be inferred from tattoos or identifying features. Daily Mirror also refers to provisions concerning dress and personal appearance. Ada Derana (தமிழ்) likewise reports that tattoo- and identification-related clauses are to be removed.

WhatNews (සිංහල) reports that proposed changes also concern narrowing the definition of criminal groups, placing detention powers under judicial oversight, and replacing police-recorded confessions with statements made before a judicial officer. The report says these proposals go beyond amendments the Attorney General’s Department had submitted to the Supreme Court; the available reports provide no further detail on the proposals.

Ada Derana and Hiru News report that the Supreme Court has concluded its hearing on petitions relating to the bill. Ada Derana says the court’s determination will be sent to the Speaker; Ada Derana (සිංහල) reports that it is to be sent to the Speaker and President. The reports do not give the determination’s contents.