UNP Presidential candidate, Sajith Premadasa has called for the implementation of death penalties on “terrorists”.

Speaking at the New Democratic Front rally in Nittambuwa, the presidential candidate said; 

"The death penalty must not be regulated it must be implemented,”

His call for the death penalty was followed by calls for greater surveillance in order to “defeat terrorism”.

"Information must be obtained from individuals in all communities who have a great vision for the country," 

Whilst Sajith Premadasa has spoken about the need for equitable treatment amongst different communities, he has also promised to hardline Sinhala Buddhist monks that he vowed to protect the “territorial integrity of Sri Lanka”. 

Read more here: Sajith vows ‘respect for territorial integrity’ of Sri Lanka

Furthermore, Premadasa has vowed to elect former army commander, Sarath Fonseka, to be the Head of National Security. 

Fonseka was the wartime army chief who led the 2009 military offensive against the LTTE.  He has been accused of overseeing Sri Lankan units that bombed hospitals, as well as the execution and torture of surrendees and disappeared civilians amongst a litany of human rights abuses against Tamil civilians and militants in 2009.

Read more here: Sajith - Wartime army commander to be entrusted with national security

Premadasa has made clear his intentions to strengthen intelligence units and further enhance the military in terms of both equipment and deployment.

The UN has placed a ban on Sri Lanka’s deployment of troops during UN missions following the 

appointment of accused war criminal Shavendra Silva as head of the country’s military as well as numerous human rights complaints.

Read more here: UN bans Sri Lankan peacekeepers

Read more here.