30 January 2021 01:50 pm
Necessary legal reforms would be introduced soon to direct drug addicted minor offenders to rehabilitation centres for curative measures, instead of retaining them behind prison cells for an extensive period, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne yesterday.
“Seized narcotics in custody during operations would also be destroyed promptly, following judgements by the judiciary and forwarding samples for legal proceedings in order to prevent underhand dealings and abusing official powers”, he added.
Reasoning the measures, he said, “Bringing of culprits within the law enforcement and to the book, has uncovered the enemy within us”.
Gen. Gunaratne (Retd) expressed these views while addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony of Nawadiganthaya (Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre) in Nittambuwa.