Death Sentence leads to verbal spar between Justice Minister & Opposition Leader

Colombo (News 1st): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which was proposed by the government is aimed at making changes to the constitution for the sole benefit of one individual.

He slammed the government for moving forward with such a proposal which makes the President a scarecrow and the Prime Minister a peon.

While stressing on the need for the creation of a National Security Council in the country, the Opposition Leader said capital punishment must be imposed on all groups proven to have been involved in terrorist activity and on drug traffickers as well.

"Is it your opinion to impose the death sentence or is it your party's position to do so?" questioned the Justice Minister.

Sajith Premadasa counter questioned the Justice Minister asking if the Minister of Justice in the Government opposes imposing the death sentence on those involved in terrorism and trafficking drugs.

He urged the Government to listen to the advice of the Venerable Theros before passing such amendments which are detrimental to the country.