Namal alerts country to clear signs of returning to repressive practices of late 1980s

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa criticized the proposed Organised Crime Prevention Bill in parliament, warning that its provisions, such as identifying suspects by tattoos, could lead to discriminatory repression similar to practices in the late 1980s. His objections highlight concerns that the legislation may prioritize harsh enforcement over addressing root causes like unemployment and economic hardship, fueling ongoing debates about human rights and security in Sri Lanka.

SLPP Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has expressed serious concerns over the proposed Organised Crime Prevention Bill, warning that it could lead to a resurgence of repressive practices reminiscent of those seen in Sri Lanka during the late 1980s. Rajapaksa raised these points during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, where he appeared after being brought in from remand custody to participate in the debate.

The legislation, which aims to strengthen measures against organised criminal groups, includes provisions related to the identification of suspected members. Rajapaksa questioned the necessity and rationale behind using physical markers such as tattoos to designate individuals as part of criminal gangs. Referring to explanations from Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, who highlighted tattoos and other physical traits as identifiers, the MP cautioned that such criteria could lead to discriminatory targeting based on appearance rather than concrete evidence.

Rajapaksa drew comparisons to earlier government practices during 1988–89, when individuals labeled as Island Reconvicted Criminals (IRCs) were subject to surveillance and harassment based on superficial characteristics like hairstyles and beards. He argued that the bill’s approach risks repeating these forms of repression under the pretext of combating organised crime.

The MP also criticized the government’s handling of ongoing security challenges, pointing to continued incidents of shootings and killings connected to organised criminal networks. He suggested that despite the proposed law, the authorities had not effectively addressed the violence or the underlying economic issues affecting the population.

Highlighting broader concerns, Rajapaksa called on the government to prioritize pressing matters such as unemployment and the rising cost of living instead of advancing legislation that he believes could be used to suppress dissent and infringe on civil liberties. His remarks underscore ongoing debates about balancing public security with human rights protections amid Sri Lanka’s complex political and social environment.

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