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Thursday, 27 June 2019 02:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said that he has signed the documents for execution of four major drug smugglers but next of kin is yet to be informed and they could appeal for clemency. Addressing heads of media at the President’s House in Colombo, he emphasised the danger of illicit drugs.
Pointing out that there are about 100,000 drug addicts in the country, he urged all sections of the society, including media to extend fullest support to the Government endeavours against illicit drugs.
“I have signed the death warrants,” he said in response to questions but declined to name the date of the executions only saying it would be done “soon”. However he acknowledged that the families of the prisoners to be executed have not been notified yet and said they have the opportunity to appeal against the execution.
Referring to the security situation and operations during the post-Easter Sunday attacks, he said that Emergency rule has been extended for another month to facilitate continuation of investigations against arrested suspects and to continue deployment of security forces for security operations to ensure safety of the citizens.
He pointed out that many embassies also sought military security. Furthermore, until the formulation of new regulations for law enforcement, it is necessary to continue with emergency laws.
“We had to declare an Emergency situation to suppress the terrorists and ensure a peaceful environment in the country. What have been enacted by gazette are clauses pertaining to suppressing terrorism only,” he said.
Replying to a question, he said that the campaigns to boycott Muslim shops would not succeed and recalled that a similar campaign to shun Indian products in the past had failed. “It is very important that peace and harmony among Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil communities prevail. It is important for us to foster trust among our communities.”
