News

Laws on capital punishment for minors to be amended

14 Dec, 2021

Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure Act on capital punishment for minors, the Government said today.

Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend existing laws to ensure the death sentence is not given on those under the age of 18.

The Government noted that under Article 53 of the Penal Code the death sentence shall not be pronounced on or recorded against any person who, is under the age of eighteen years; at the time of the commission of an offence by such person.

The court shall,?in lieu?of sentencing?such person to death, sentence him to be detained in an institution established under any written law for the detention of persons under the age of eighteen years, for a period specified in the sentence and subject to the provisions of?such written law.

Meanwhile, Section 281 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act states “Where any person convicted of an offence punishable with death, appears to the court to be under the age of eighteen years, the court shall pronounce on that person in lieu of the sentence of death the sentence provided by section 53 of the Penal Code.”

The Cabinet approved a proposal to amend the Section 281 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act to remove existing uncertainty. (Colombo Gazette)

Recommended For You

Feature Image

Sri Lanka seeks South Africa’s support in Geneva

Sri Lanka has sought South Africa’s support during the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South Africa, Siresena Amarasekara held several meetings with government officials of South Africa and envoys of countries accredited to South Africa to discuss the achievements made by Sri Lanka in matters on human rights. He met High Commissioner of Namibia, Veiccoh K Nghiwete, Ambassador of Zimbabwe, D.D. Hamadziripi, High Commission

15 Feb, 2022

Feature Image

Campaign launched seeking support to repeal PTA

A campaign was launched today seeking support to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The campaign is being led by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M.A Sumanthiran. “Campaign initiated today to collect signatures to exert pressure on the govt to repeal the PTA was a great success. Signatories included religious leaders, leaders of political parties, civil societies, trade unions, human rights activists and general public,” TNA Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam tweet

15 Feb, 2022

Feature Image

Cabinet Ministers to consider travelling on bicycles

Cabinet Ministers are to consider travelling on bicycles to work at least once a month, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said today. He said that the Cabinet had discussed the matter and are looking at options. The move is part of an attempt to promote the use of bicycles by the public. He said that the Government wants to set the example by encouraging Cabinet Ministers to use bicycles. Amaraweera said that there would be security and other concerns when Cabinet Ministers travel in p

15 Feb, 2022