Sri Lanka says death penalty for murder, narco trade, rape

[TamilNet, Saturday, 20 November 2004, 14:24 GMT]
Sri Lanka Saturday said it will mete death penalty for murder, rape and narcotics trafficking. A communique from Sri Lanka's President Chandrika Kumaratunga said necessary amendments would be made to the Sri Lanka's criminal law to give effect to the decision. The reintroduction of capital punishment follows the murder of high court judge Mr. Sarath Ambepitiya by gunmen allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

Ms Kumaratunga convened an emergency meeting Saturday morning, prompted by the judge's murder, with minister of public security, law and order and high level officials to discuss means to prevent organised crime which is on the rise in the island.

It was decided to reorganise and strengthen the crime fighting unit of Sri Lanka Police, the communique from the President's office said.

The statement said the Preident expressed shock and concern over the assasination of the judge.