President blames ministers for destruction of Muthurajawela

President Maithripala Sirisena today (Aug 5) blamed certain government ministers for the destruction taking place at Muthurajawela, which he said is a valuable asset to the Gampaha district.

Addressing an event in Gampaha, the President, who is also the Environment Minister, stated that the massive environmental destruction must be prevented for the betterment of the country and its people.

President Sirisena also took occasion to comment on the private member's bill against the death penalty which had been submitted to Parliament by United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarian Bandula Lal Bandarigoda recently.

He said the Attorney General had informed him that the bill to abolish judicial hangings was unlawful.

During the recent past, the President’s decision to re-introduce capital punishment as a part of his anti-narcotic campaign has met with stiff opposition from various factions.

However, Mr. Sirisena today emphasised that racketeers, criminals, and rapists are the ones who would be benefitted by those opposing his efforts to defeat narcotics in the country.

He noted that such groups of people must not be given room to thrive under any circumstances.