Capital punishment for death row drug kingpins

COLOMBO (News 1st) - On Wednesday (July 11th) the President announced that capital punishment would be enforced, this had led to much discussion in society today. The President stated that he does not think that this action should be considered a crime because his motive is to create a better tomorrow for the children and the entire society. President Sirisena also stated that he had informed the Ministry of Justice that he would sign the order to implement capital punishment against individuals who continue to be involved in the drug trade even after being sentenced to death for offenses related to drug trafficking. As mentioned by the President, Sri Lanka will reinstate capital punishment for drug dealers who coordinate criminal activities from behind bars. Prisons Spokesperson, Thushara Upuldeniya stated that there are 774 convicts sentenced to death in the country and are being held in prisons across the country. He continued steps are being taken to ascertain the exact number of prisoners convicted for drug-related offenses. "There are 17 such convicts in Welikada. All these documents need to be inspected. If they have been found guilty of drug offenses, they will fall into this category. The facilities to enforce the capital punishment are only available in Welikada. The noose was brought down from Pakistan. There is a vacancy for the post of Hangman. We hope to recall applications again next week. We will be able to solve this in a month" continued Upuldeniya. When 103 kilograms of heroin was seized recently, the Police said the drug ring was operated by a death row inmate from behind bars. Meanwhile, addressing the media, JVP member of Parliament, Sunil Handunnetti questioned whether this punishment should only be given to those who bring drugs. While noting that politicians assist in the smuggling of drugs, Handunetti questioned why there is no action against the political muscle behind drug racketeers. State Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, Ajith P. Perera stated that although there has been a number of disputes among intellectuals and the visionaries over the capital punishment since the President believes that this is the solution, they would support it.