President, yesterday (11th), stated that he would sign required orders to execute capital punishment for convicted drug traffickers who carry out large scale drug smuggling operations while in detention. Reinstating of capital punishment was discussed at length at the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday (10).

Meanwhile, Department of Prisons said that they will discuss with the ministry on implementing the death penalty, in the coming few days. Commissioner General of Prisons Nishan Danasinghe says that there are many urgent measures that should be taken in order to implement the death penalty. As the position of the executioner is currently vacated, the vacancy must be filled immediately, he pointed out.