Punish politicos who protect drug kingpins first- BBS tells Prez
Death penalty for convicted drug traffickers
Before giving orders to implement capital punishment for convicted drug traffickers, the President should authorise that same punishment for the politicians who backed drug kingpins who give leadership to the drug traffickers, the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) said yesterday.
Speaking to the media at the BBS headquarters at Rajagiriya, its General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera said, “When we look at the statement made by President Maithripala Sirisena, one cannot help but feel saddened by what is taking place in the country as a result of drug trafficking.“drugs, drug traffickers, the underworld and capital punishment have become the most popular topics of conversation at present,” the thera said.
“As the General Secretary of the BBS, I appreciate the decision taken by the President. A President should be able to take such radical decisions for the betterment of the country. As Buddhist monks however, we cannot preach about the correctness of executing people and that is also not our responsibility. But the rulers of a country should not behave as monks. Rulers should rule the country as they think best as it is their responsibility to protect the country,” Ven. Gnanasara Thera said.
Drugs are brought into the country by ship or on flights. During the previous regime, activities such as drug-smuggling was controlled to a great extent because the army and the intelligence service were very active. At present there is no such protection on our borders because these entities have been crippled.
“Drug traffickers are attempting to make Sri Lanka the hub for their drug business. Therefore, we request the President to find the politicians who provide protection to drug dealers before taking a decision to execute convicted drug traffickers and mete out the same punishment to them,” the thera said.
As the General Secretary of the BBS, I appreciate the decision taken by the President. A President should be able to take such radical decisions for the betterment of the country