Cabinet green light for new legislation to crackdown on transnational crime

By Skandha Gunasekara

Cabinet nod has been given to amend the Mutual Assistance of Criminal Matters Act No. 25 of 2002 in an effort by the Government to crackdown on transnational organised crime by bringing in more stringent legislation.

The proposal submitted by Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms, Thalatha Athukorale, stressed the importance of strengthening existing laws to better tackle international organised crime.

The new legislation will further assist in addressing, investigating and preventing transnational crime.

The Government has also decided to include provision to curb bribery and cybercrime.

At present, the Mutual Assistance of Criminal Matters Act No. 25 of 2002 provides for authorities to identify and locate witnesses or suspects, pertaining documents, examination of witness and obtaining evidence as well as other provisions between Sri Lanka and foreign nations in accordance with the specific agreements signed between the two countries.  

Following cabinet approval, the draft amendments would be gazetted and thereafter presented to Parliament for the enactment process to be carried out.