Files of drug peddlers sentenced to death missing?

Colombo (News1st): A discussion regarding drug peddlers was held in Parliament today (Feb 5). UPFA MP Dayasiri Jayasekara noted that there are complaints that the files of those sentenced to death on charges relating to narcotics distribution have been missing. He questioned; "When the President is attempting to implement the death penalty against those who are accused, why is this being delayed? Who is behind this?" Responding to this Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms Thalatha Atukorale said that 48 people were sentenced to death, however, 30 of them have filed appeals against their sentences. Therefore, she noted that the death penalty can only be implemented against 18 people for now. Minister Atukorale said the Attorney General's Department should give recommendations with regard to these 18 files and these files have already been sent to the Presidential Secretariat.