COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s president, Maithripala Sirisena,  on Wednesday signed death sentences for four people convicted of drug-related offences. Analysts believe that a decision taken by the President is aimed at boosting his chances of re-election later this year.

Maithripala Sirisena was elected as a reformist in January 2015, but has struggled to fulfill pledges including addressing human rights abuses, eliminating corruption and ensuring good governance. He has been under increasing pressure since a political crisis last year, and more recently faced criticism for his handling of Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed more than 250 people.

“I have already signed the death penalty for four (convicts). It will be implemented soon and we have already decided the date as well,” Sirisena told reporters in Colombo, without giving details. He said the four could appeal their convictions on charges of trading and trafficking in drugs. (Agencies)