The hearing of 26 petitions challenging the Organized Crime Prevention Bill presented to Parliament by the government concluded today.
Today was scheduled for the presentation of the Attorney General’s position regarding these petitions. On behalf of the Attorney General, Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne stated that the government intends to introduce amendments to the Organized Crime Prevention Bill during the Committee Stage in Parliament.
Accordingly, it was proposed that the provision in the Bill allowing for the detention of an individual for 72 hours be amended to 48 hours. Furthermore, it is proposed that several other provisions be removed, including those relating to offenses under the Excise Ordinance, as well as provisions concerning “tattoos and markings.” Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne stated this before the court on behalf of the Attorney General.
The decision regarding the hearing of the petitions is to be communicated to the Speaker in due course.