SRI LANKA: DEATH ROW PRISONERS COMMENCE A FAST UNTO DEATH

May 19, 2011: death row prisoners started a fast unto death campaign at the Welikada prison in Colombo, Sri Lanka. All 224 condemned prisoners are refusing food requesting their death penalties either be subdued or implemented without delay. The death penalty is not implemented since the President does not endorse it as required by law. The inmates were all sentenced for serious crimes and therefore cannot receive pardons.
Prison authorities under the directions of Prisons Commissioner General Major General V.R De Silva are negotiating with the prisoners to diffuse the situation, local media reported. (Sources: Colombopage.com, 19/05/2011)