Srilanka, Nov. 5 -- Steps will be taken to reduce the 72-hour detention period proposed in the Prevention of Organized Crime Draft Bill to 48 hours, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

He made the remarks while addressing the special interfaith convention held today (05) to mark the completion of one year of the "Ratama Ekata" national anti-drug operation.

Meanwhile, the President also said that the relevant Bill will be amended to remove provisions relating to tattoos and offences under the Excise Ordinance.

President Dissanayake stated that he and his associates had opposed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for a long time and that, having been among those affected by the Act, they did not approve of using such legislatio...