‘Do not stop executions’:
Sri Lanka’s president urged human rights groups on Wednesday not to interfere with his plans to end a 43-year moratorium on capital punishment.
Maithripala Sirisena told Parliament that executions will resume in the next two months.
He said many larger nations carry out executions but smaller countries like Sri Lanka are hampered by human rights groups in their efforts to control crime.
“In carrying out the executions ... I especially appeal to the human rights organizations not to control punishments given to serious criminals by raising human rights issues,” Sirisena said.
Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, a religion which advocates non-violence. It last executed a prisoner in 1976.
Sirisena said while the country has had positive influences from all religions, tough law enforcement is necessary to curb crime and maintain order. (AP)