News
Ranil drops MS decision to resume hanging
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, through Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, PC, has informed the Supreme Court that judicial executions would not be resumed.
Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, who appeared for the Attorney General, stated the President’s position, when several fundamental rights petitions filed, calling for the annulment of the decision taken by former President Maithripala Sirisena, in 2019, to execute four defendants sentenced to death on drug charges, were called.
The petition was called before a three-member Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Vijith Malalgoda, L.T.B. Dehideniya and Murdhu Fernando.
When the Attorney General inquired about this yesterday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe informed that he would not use his signature to execute the death sentence.
The President asked the AG to inform the Court of his decision. Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, who represented the Attorney General, stated before the court that the government had taken a policy decision not to implement the death penalty.
Chairman of the bench, Justice Vijith Malalgoda asked the petitioners’ lawyers to inform the court on the next court date if there was any need to continue the petition.
The bench decided to recall the petitions on 23 February 2023.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena made a statement on 26 June 2019 that he had decided to sign an execution order in respect of four prisoners sentenced to death for drug-related offences.
Several parties including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Center for Policy Alternatives and the Organization for the Protection of Prisoners presented these fundamental rights petitions to the Supreme Court against the ex-President’s decision.
The petitions have alleged that the then president’s decision was against the country’s public policy and human rights.
The official welcoming ceremony for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held this morning (05) at the Independence Square in Colombo.
On arrival at the Independence Square the Indian Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Friday [04 Apr 25]. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
INS Sahyadri is a 143m long Frigate manned by a crew of 320 and the ship is commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar.
During their visit to the crew of INS Sahyadri will participate in events hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. They will also visit several tourist hotspots across the country.
Concluding the visit, INS Sahyadri is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 07 Apr
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) BUNGO and ETAJIMA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit on 01 Apr 25, departed the island on Friday [04 Apr].
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the duo of ships engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Vijayabahu. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
During their stay in Colombo, crew members of the JMSDF ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, gaining insights into their operational capabilities.
The Commanding Officers of JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, Commander TANAKA Koji and Commander ODA Takayuki called on Commander Western Naval Area, and Director General Operations, on 01 Apr.
Indian PM receives warm welcome
INS Sahyadri arrives at Port of Colombo
JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA depart island
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