SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa yesterday warned that the proposed Organised Crime Prevention Bill could pave the way for repressive practices, similar to those witnessed during the 1988–89 period.

Rajapaksa, who arrived in Parliament from remand custody to attend the proceedings, raised concerns over provisions relating to the identification of members of organised criminal groups.

“Do you need a new law to arrest someone who has a tattoo displaying the symbol of an organised criminal gang?” he asked.

Referring to explanations given by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara regarding tattoos and other characteristics associated with criminal groups, Rajapaksa questioned whether the proposed legislation could result in people being targeted, based on their physical appearance.

He recalled earlier practices involving persons identified as Island Reconvicted Criminals (IRCs), claiming that people had been targeted over their hairstyles and beards.

Rajapaksa alleged that the Government was attempting to introduce repressive measures, under the guise of combating organised crime, and drew parallels with the methods used during the 1988–89 period.

He also questioned the Government’s priorities, pointing to continuing shootings and killings, linked to organised crime, while accusing the authorities of failing to adequately address the economic difficulties faced by the public.

The SLPP MP urged the Government to focus on unemployment, the rising cost of living and other pressing issues instead of introducing legislation which, he claimed, could be used for repression.

The Navy has apprehended 55 people in separate operations targeting illegal fishing and suspected narcotics smuggling in coastal areas this month.

According to the Navy, 50 people were arrested for engaging in illegal fishing during operations conducted between October 2 and 17 in coastal areas of Trincomalee, Jaffna and Puttalam.

The operations, conducted by the Eastern, Northern and Northwestern Naval Commands, also resulted in the seizure of 33 dinghies, a canoe and a quantity of unauthorised fishing equipment.

The suspects, boats and equipment were handed over to officials of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for further legal action.

Meanwhile, five suspects were arrested along with a multi-day fishing trawler during a separate naval operation in the southern seas on October 13 over suspected narcotics smuggling.

The suspects and the trawler were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigations and legal action.

by  J. Stanislas Pius

The centenary Perpetual Novena Holy Mass at the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Athurugiriya was held on Sunday (18), presided over by Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

The Mass, marking the 100th Perpetual Novena, was held at 6 p.m. with the participation of Colombo Regional Vicar Very Rev. Fr. Robinson Wijesinghe, Ven. Sevwanagala Samadhi Thero of the Athurugiriya Seewali Hermitage and members of the Catholic community.

The event was organised under the leadership of the priest in charge of the shrine, Rev. Fr. Harsha Rajakaruna.

Following the Mass, the Grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Help within the shrine was blessed and opened.