President says facing death threats due to anti-narcotic campaign

President Maithripala Sirisena today (Jul 2) said he has been facing death threats as he continues his anti-narcotic campaign that has been strengthened by his decision to re-introduce judicial hangings in the country.

Addressing an event to distribute Mahaweli land deeds in Polonnaruwa, the President revealed that he had received knowledge of these threats through intelligence reports.

Mr. Sirisena took occassion to comment on the 2015 presidential polls by pointing out that he had been elected as President to protect the people and not any other individual.

He recounted that he had come forward as a presidential candidate since it was unbearable to witness politicians looting massive amounts of funds from the public purse.

Accordingly, he stressed that the law would be enforced against any individual irrespective of their political hierarchy.

Sirisena observed that he could be named as a respondent in the court cases against the Easter Sunday attacks due to the democracy and freedom prevailing in the country.

He also stated that anyone could move court if there were any allegations against him.

The President who has been severely criticised over moves to re-introduce the death penalty said he was undeterred by the campaign that is being led by non-governmental organisations against him.