Apr 09, Colombo: Sri Lanka Prisons Commissioner General P.W. Kodippili says that Sri Lankans have showed a keen interest to the post of executioner that has been vacant for some time.
He said that a large number of applications had been received although applications had not been called for the posts of executioner. He says that there are also applications from women for the post.
The official said that the applications would be kept in file until the applications are called formally.
Sri Lanka's prisons have vacancies for two executioners.
Although Sri Lanka's courts impose death penalty for serious crimes, the President does not grant leave to proceed with the conviction.
The government reinstated the death penalty in 2004 for murder, rape and drug trafficking following the murder of a high court judge.
However, since 2000 there are 1,164 death row inmates languishing in jails waiting for execution or a final decision for commutation for execution. Some prisoners on death row at the moment have served over 15 years while waiting for their sentences to be carried out.
Last execution was carried out in Sri Lanka in 1976.
There is a public demand to implement death penalty to curb the rise of crimes.
