COLOMBO (News 1st): The European Union delegation has issued a statement regarding the reinstatement of the death penalty in Sri Lanka.

The statement acknowledged the effort taken in combating the proliferation of drugs. It points out that, although action should be taken to counter this illicit drug trade, the evidence presented by the Government of Sri Lanka “does not support the argument that the death penalty is an effective deterrent”.

According to the statement, more than two- thirds of countries around the world, with a variety of legal systems, traditions, cultures and religious backgrounds have either abolished the death penalty or do not practice it. The statement stresses that the death penalty is an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.

It has called on the Sri Lankan government to maintain it’s moratorium on the death penalty in line with its vote at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in December 2018.

The statement was issued by the embassies of:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Romania
• UK
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Canada
• Australia

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