Already signed death penalty for 4 drug dealers, says President

President Maithripala Sirisena says that he has already signed the order to impose the death penalty for prisoners convicted for drug dealing.

The President stated this addressing the heads of media institutions this morning (26).

He added that these four death penalties will be carried out soon.

The President also highlighted that he is completely against the proposed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States of America.

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution is the cause of current political instability in the country, he has further said.

The President has emphasized that the 19th Amendment has created two leaders in Sri Lanka.

Whoever wins the upcoming Presidential Election should take steps to abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the President has commented.

However, the President has remarked that abolishing the 19th Amendment before the next Presidential Election would be the best for the country.

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution is a curse to the nation and a need of the non-governmental organizations, the President has claimed.

A General Election will be held two months following the presidential election, the President noted.

President Sirisena also dismissed the rumours on a possible referendum.

Speaking further, the President has called the Special Parliamentary Select Committee is a ‘drama’ scripted by the Temple Trees.

Stating that he has not been called before the Parliamentary Select Committee, the President noted he would never testify before the committee even if he is summoned.