Socialist party says proposed organised crime bill changes do not address rights concerns

Sri Lanka's Frontline Socialist Party has argued that proposed changes to the organised crime bill do not address its wider objections over democratic rights and civil liberties. Education secretary Pubudu Jayagoda described the amendments discussed by the president as superficial in a media statement reported on November 7.

He said a discussion with religious leaders at Temple Trees had focused on three provisions while leaving broader concerns raised by trade unions, rights groups and civil-society organisations unanswered. He attributed the government's reconsideration to public opposition, including a November 4 protest near Parliament.

Jayagoda argued that reducing an initial police-custody period from 72 to 48 hours would not settle concerns about arrest powers and longer detention. Those are the party's objections to the proposal, not a court ruling on the bill's legality.

He also criticised using tattoos or social connections to identify suspected criminal-group membership, warning that protest participants could be exposed to overly broad suspicion. The party called for discussions with labour and student movements, rights campaigners and lawyers, rather than consultation limited to religious leaders. The statement does not establish that the bill has passed or that the proposed changes are final.