The Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has written to all 225 MPs urging them on the need for legislative reforms to prevent the execution of the death penalty.
The letters were sent last week urging all the MPs to make legislative reforms in the criminal justice system in Sri Lanka to abolish the death penalty from all existing statutes.
The letter signed by CPA Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu said, “At the practical level, there is no evidence to demonstrate that the death penalty is a deterrence to crime. It must also be noted in a country like Sri Lanka with prevalent impunity, corruption and problems in the criminal justice, the possibility of an innocent person being convicted is extremely high with the potential for a miscarriage of justice.
As you are aware, the implementation of the death penalty is irreversible and in the event of a miscarriage of justice may lead to a cruel and inhuman degrading punishment and irreparable harm.”
The CPA also reminded the resumption of executions would go against the position taken by Sri Lanka in the international fora over the years, having voted in favour of five UN resolutions calling for a moratorium on executions.
“Abolishing the death penalty would ensure there is no miscarriage of justice and a single individual does not have the power to decide on life and death. We urge you as a representative of the people to take this critical step to prevent an irreparable and irrevocable step that can lead to taking the life of an individual. We also request you to explore the urgent need to initiate criminal justice reforms including introducing reforms to address delays in the system and structural reforms. Some of these issues have already been explored by the Parliament Sectoral Committee on Legal Affairs (Anti-Corruption) and Media as well as other initiatives,” the letter stated.
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