Death penalty can affect country’s tourism and investment prospects – Canadian HC

The High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka, issuing a statement on President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to carry on with the death penalty, states that Canada strongly and unequivocally opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases.

Pointing out that is no evidence that the death penalty is an effective deterrent, the statement further says that no justice system is immune from error.

The complete statement of the High Commission:

“Canada is deeply concerned by the reports that Sri Lanka is considering a reversal of its long-standing moratorium on the death penalty. We strongly and unequivocally oppose the use of the death penalty in all cases. This form of punishment is incompatible with human dignity and can lead to irreversible miscarriages of justice. No justice system is immune from error.

While action to counter the illicit drug trade is important and necessary, there is no evidence that the death penalty is an effective deterrent. Further, the resumption of executions could attract global attention and would do little to rebuild Sri Lanka’s image as a peaceful and welcoming destination for travelers and investment.

We join many Sri Lankans and friends of Sri Lanka around the world in urging the government to maintain the moratorium on the death penalty.”