Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Justice Minister clarifies Organised Crimes Bill won't target appearance
Sri Lanka's Justice Minister has moved to dispel concerns that proposed organised crime legislation would penalise individuals based on physical appearance such as tattoos or hairstyles. The clarification addresses public anxiety about the scope and application of the new bill.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Justice Minister has issued a statement addressing widespread concerns about the Organised Crimes Bill, emphasising that the legislation is not designed to target individuals solely on the basis of their physical appearance or aesthetic choices.
The clarification specifically references tattoos and long hair as examples of personal characteristics that would not form grounds for action under the proposed law. The statement appears aimed at countering public perception that the bill represents an overreach into personal freedoms and lifestyle choices.
The Organised Crimes Bill represents government efforts to strengthen legal mechanisms for combating criminal syndicates and organised criminal activity. Officials have sought to distinguish between measures targeting genuine criminal behaviour and actions that would infringe upon legitimate personal freedoms.
The Justice Minister's remarks come amid ongoing public debate regarding the bill's scope and potential implications. The clarification signals the government's intent to frame the legislation narrowly as a tool against substantive criminal activity rather than as a basis for discriminatory enforcement based on appearance or personal style.