In October, security has been tightened in the country's...

In October, security has been tightened in the country's two main jails amid signs of unrest among the prisoners sentenced to be executed by hanging, following earlier announcements that the death penalty would be carried out in future. The 114 prisoners, including 4 women, are interned in Colombo's Welikada prison and the Bogambara jail in the central Kandy District. Prison officials said earlier that arrangements were being made to give the Welikada hangman a "refresher course." He is currently employed as an office assistant. Bogambara prison does not have a hangman and is trying to find someone to do the job, while the gallows at both facilities are being refurbished should the go-ahead be given. Observers said the Government would delay the decision until after the presidential election in December. A powerful political lobby has hindered Colombo's attempts to hang the 114 convicts on death row, whose sentences are under review.