I’m opposed to the death penalty: MR

29 June 2019 06:04 am - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday he had always been against the implementation of the death penalty and had refused to sign any of the death warrants during his term as President.

Responding to questions asked by journalists at the Sri Wijayasundaramaya in Horapawita, Kumburupitiya, he said the President should not act in haste when it comes to assigning such duties to the executioners.

“There are courts to do that. Even I was given these documents but I didn’t sign them. The President has highlighted the word ‘drugs’ as the reason to implement the death penalty. This is not the way to do these things,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.

When asked whether the reason behind implementing the death penalty was the upcoming presidential election, Mr. Rajapaksa said he did not think so.

“If one can become the President by implementing the death penalty, even we have a lot of people to hang. I do not think the President is doing so with the intention of winning elections,” he said.

Commenting about fresh cases filed in a US court against former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the opposition leader said it was the work of the diaspora and when asked if this would be an obstacle for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to contest the presidential elections, the opposition leader said, “It won't be an obstacle, if he wants to contest.” (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 6

Kamal Senanayake Saturday, 29 June 2019 04:58 PM

Yes. But what about white vans?

ANTON Saturday, 29 June 2019 05:54 PM

Yes you should since you have to save Dumind, yourself and your family.

Jayantha Saturday, 29 June 2019 06:23 PM

Death Penalty does not prevent crime. Why do it

S.P.Ramkumar Saturday, 29 June 2019 09:42 PM

Wellcome for your open death panalty. We have to permanently stop death panalty law.

rasan Saturday, 29 June 2019 11:44 PM

I am opposed to any shelling on civilian targets such as hospitals and schools and shelters during the war

SAM Saturday, 29 June 2019 11:55 PM

True true he has a few of his blue men caught red handed and also have a few pending with cases. Well he certainly may give the the pardon too with those who support him.

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I’m opposed to the death penalty: MR

Comments - 6

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