Sri Lanka's National Operations Council discussed reintroducing the death penalty for drug offences on August 10, 2026, though the Cabinet spokesman says no final decision has been made.
The op-ed notes Sri Lanka hasn't executed anyone since 1976 despite the penalty remaining on the books and more than a thousand prisoners on death row, arguing this proves capital punishment hasn't deterred drug trafficking or murder.
It contrasts the Philippines' Duterte-era drug war, which drew an ICC investigation without shrinking the drug market, against Portugal's 2001 decriminalization approach, which the piece credits with falling overdose deaths.
The column also notes Sri Lanka voted for UN moratorium resolutions in 2016 and 2018, and warns that resuming executions could breach ICCPR obligations and jeopardize GSP+ trade status.
The full dispatch is available from the source below.