President steadfast on death penalty

• Says parties against the death penalty not concerned about plight of future generations

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday stood steadfastly by his push to implement the death penalty, insisting Sri Lanka as a sovereign country has the right to make that decision regardless of the concerns expressed by others. 

Sirisena had insisted that these statements of concern were being given by those who had not given their slightest support to the battle against eradicating the drug menace during the last four and a half years and are now trying to vilify him in the face of tough action taken against drug kingpins.

He said he will demand answers from them on what they have done to safeguard the 300,000 youth who are addicted to drugs while they are in power or the Opposition. The President made these comments while addressing the Western Province ceremony for the National Drug Prevention Week held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

The President further said that he is leading the fight against the drug menace, unheeding threats on his life for the sake of future generations.

“Drugs are the easiest method to destroy a nation. Every citizen should perform his or her duty to free this country from illegal drug trafficking. Certain international organisations are attempting to intimidate Sri Lanka after the decision to re-enforce capital punishment on drug dealers. Though the assistance of global entities is required for the development of a country, nobody has the right to interfere in the domestic affairs or the sovereignty of a nation,” the President said. 

The connection between illegal drug businesses and politicians is no secret, and how many politicians do their duty to protect the nation against this threat is questionable, he said.

Explaining the interdependence between illegal drug trafficking and terrorism, the President said that international drug dealers have a hand in the Easter Sunday attacks. 

The National Survey Report on the prevalence of drug use conducted by the Presidential Task Force on Drug Prevention, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, and the Police was also handed over to the President.