Fight Against Organised Crime Cannot Justify Laws That Oppress the Public: Ali Sabry

01-Nov-2026

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Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry has stated that combating organised crime is everyone's responsibility, but this cannot be used as a justification for enacting laws that subject ordinary citizens to oppression.

Commenting on the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill presented by the Government in Parliament, President's Counsel Ali Sabry reiterated that while combating organised crime is a responsibility, it cannot justify legislation that subjects ordinary citizens to oppressive measures.

He also stressed that such powerful legislation must be accompanied by robust safeguards, accountable enforcement and effective judicial oversight.

He further called on the Government to respond appropriately to the serious concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka regarding the Bill. The Government should listen to these concerns, engage in consultations and reconsider the proposed legislation.

"Those who make laws must remember one thing. The powers they grant to the State today could be used against them tomorrow. The Government's responsibility is not to intimidate people by invoking the law, but to protect them," he stated.