SRI LANKA: DEATH ROW PRISONERS NOW AT 818

June 7, 2012: In Sri Lanka, Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry sources said 818 death row convicts, including four women are still in the Welikada and Bogambara prisons. These prisoners were convicted for various major offences, such as, rape, child abuse, assassination and drug trading etc.
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said the ministry is looking at the possibility of reducing the sentence of several death row prisoners. The ministry has forwarded its suggestions to the Justice Ministry for recommendations regarding the reduction of sentence. According to the suggestions, the death sentence may be commuted to a life, while those sentenced for life, to have the sentence reduced to 20 year RI. But certain sentences relating to child abuse, rape, assassinations, drug related offences will remain.
 “However, a majority of people who took part in a survey at the recently concluded Deyata Kirula exhibition have expressed their desire to reimpose capital punishment.
According to the outcome of the survey conducted by the Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Ministry, 76 percent of those interviewed wanted the capital punishment implemented to fight the rising wave of crime. Only 8 percent opposed the implementation and the balance refrained from giving clear view, “ he said.
The minister said over 100 applications have been received by the Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Ministry for the post of hangman without applications being called to fill the post.
According to the ministry, there are two vacancies for the post of hangman. Three women have also applied for the post of executioner. (Sources: dailynews.lk, 07/06/2012)