NAMAL KUMARA WILLING TO VOLUNTEER AS HANGMAN

In the wake of the arrest of underworld drug kingpin Makandure Madush in Dubai, Anti-corruption Force Operations Director Namal Kumara said he was ready to work as hangman to execute Makandure Madush or any other criminal sentenced to death.

He told the Daily Mirror he was pleased and convinced with the positive remarks made by President Maithripala Sirisena that he would soon implement the death penalty, irrespective of any obstacles.

“There is a visible progress in the move initiated by President Sirisena in the endeavor to create a society with no-corruption. Therefore, there is a necessity to fill the vacancy of hangman as well,” Namal Kumara said.

He said he would set an example and function as hangman.

“I would regard this as a social service rather than a profession. That is why I am willing to volunteer without being paid,” he said.

He said the death penalty should be given to criminal masterminds like Makandure Madush.

“Some people in power are scared of Makandure Madush, which was why he was easily evading arrest for the past few years,” he added.

Meanwhile, a senior prison official told the Daily Mirror that the position of hangman was still vacant despite advertisements published calling for suitable candidates.

Moreover, Prisons Department Spokesman Thushara Upuldeniya said if Namal Kumara or anybody would like to apply for the position of hangman, they would be subject to certain criteria and training programmes prior to enrollment.