The Sri Lankan government announced it was looking to purchase a new hangman’s noose, after the president declared he would reinstate capital punishment on the island.
Though Sri Lanka has not executed the death penalty since 1976, Maithripala Sirisena has re-affirmed his commitment to bringing back hanging criminals. This was despite outcry from human rights organisations and governments from around the world.
After posting advertisements for hangmen last week, calling for men with “very good mind and mental strength”, Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) Director General Siddhika Senaratne told the Sunday Times that the government was now shopping for a new noose.
The existing noose, which was imported from Pakistan 12 years ago, “was found to be damaged and unusable,” she said, adding that a 200kg stone would be used to test any new nooses. “The SLSI will have to carry out a standards test based on the regulatory standards that are followed in the country from which the noose is being imported.”
The United Kingdom and European Union have reiterated their opposition to Sri Lanka's proposed implementation of the death penalty, alongside the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) who called it an “egregious violation” of international human rights law.
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