The government will not be prepared to show any leniency toward individuals involved in the sale of narcotics, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara says.

The Justice Minister made the remarks on today (01) during a discussion at the Mahara Prison on a joint mechanism aimed at ensuring a rapid response to emergency or volatile situations in prisons and improving the welfare of inmates.

Minister Nanayakkara said delays in issuing forensic reports had been a serious problem in the past, but steps had now been taken to address the issue.

He said the necessary recruitment had been completed for the Government Analyst’s Department, while officials were working until around 10 p.m. to expedite the release of pending reports.

A total of 9,081 forensic reports were issued during August alone, the Minister said, adding that the government aims to clear all outstanding forensic reports within the next two months.

Speaking about the fight against narcotics, Minister Nanayakkara said the current government was making drug seizures that had not been carried out under previous administrations.

However, he stressed that not all individuals in prison should be considered criminals. Some inmates, the Justice Minister said, had been imprisoned for offences committed on a single occasion and should be given an opportunity for a second chance.

The Minister also acknowledged the support provided by police, Police Special Task Force and the three armed forces during recent incidents in prisons.

He said a stronger mechanism was needed to respond effectively if similar situations occurred in the future. Joint mechanisms have now been established at 15 prisons, he said.

The mechanisms are intended to identify and resolve potential problems before they escalate, coordinate rapid responses at the regional level during emergencies, and improve the welfare of inmates.

During his visit to Mahara Prison, the Justice Minister also inspected areas damaged after a recent incident in which inmates allegedly set fire to several sections of the facility, including the Chief Jailer’s Office, Rehabilitation Division, Knitting Division and Weaving Division.

Meeting remand prisoners at the facility, Minister Nanayakkara said 500 forensic reports relating to Mahara Prison had been issued during the previous month.

He urged inmates to avoid returning to drug-related offences after their release and to reintegrate into society as responsible and productive citizens.

At the same time, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara reiterated that there would be no leniency for those involved in selling narcotics.

He said inmates should instead seek to become a productive workforce capable of contributing to the country’s future development.