7 days to live

A closer look at how the death sentence was executed at the Welikada gallows:

by Dishan Joseph

The entire nation has raised a relentless cry for justice, via the implementation of the death penalty by hanging.

Hanging was one of many forms of punishment used by many civilizations, before being replaced by the electric chair and the lethal injection. In Britain - during the 1700s - there were 222 crimes punishable by death. The death penalty is presently active in 36 countries including China, India and the United States.

The Welikada Prison, established in 1841, is the largest prison in the island. A maximum security prison built by British Governor Cameron, today it is administered by B. R. Pushpakumara, the present Commissioner General of Prisons, who is a senior SLAS officer counting over 20 years of public service.

Recalling the history of hanging persons as a severe form of punishment in Ceylon, he says it was in 1802 that it was established as a practice. The first person to be hung was Ingiriya Kalu Appuwa in 1812.

The execution was done in a public place in Peliyagoda, to instill fear amongst the people. Subsequently, the first gallows were constructed at Welikada in 1871.

As the Department grew, another gallows was set up at the Bogambara Prison, in the salubrious hills of Kandy. The first inmate to be executed there was T. Jayaratne, who was convicted of murdering a teacher in Tissamada.

In 1976, the then government decided to stop the death penalty and the last person hanged at Welikada was J.M.Chandrasena alias Honda Papuwa.

92 hanged

Commissioner General Pushpakumara said during the year 1915, there had been a record number of executions at Welikada. The weary executioners worked many hours as 92 prisoners were condemned and hanged.

According to Assistant Superintendent of the Welikada Prison Headquarters, Kithsiri Seneviratne, a veteran counting 30 years of service, there are 1,116 condemned and confined to the death row cells. The condemned include six women inmates. A majority of these criminals are housed in the infamous Chapel Ward.

Maru Sira

The misogynist lustful killer Konde Ajith responsible for the sadistic rape and murder at Crow Island, Colombo 15 is also here. Ironically, the Chapel Ward derives its name from a similar British Jail building, as it takes the form of a Cross. Two notorious men incarcerated here were Jayathungalage Siripala alias Maru Siraa, a hardcore criminal who made three daring escapes from jail prior to his execution and the murderous conspirator Somarama, who assassinated Prime Minister S.W.R.D Bandaranaike.

Execution by hanging includes a detailed and long process, carried out by very experienced officers. According to ASP Seneviratne, the process begins with the inmate being escorted to courts by two jailors.

The procedure

Incidentally, months later, these same jailors must identify and prepare the inmate for his/her final journey into the darkest abyss. Once the verdict is handed down, the prisoner is escorted back to Welikada (the gallows at Bogambara are now non - existent) and moved to a maximum security cell. Here the inmates are carefully monitored throughout the day. Prison officers keep watch, seated in the corridor of the special block. These guards rotate on six hour shifts.

One must have a mature temperament and nerves of steel to work in such close quarters, among the most dreaded persons of this soil, officials say.

Once the head of state signs the Warrant, the condemned man or woman is next taken to a holding cell, from where he can see the ghostly gallows, beckoning him. Seven days prior to the exact date of the execution, the inmate is moved into one solitary cell and moved into a new cell each day (during the final seven days).

Final request

As per the Prison Ordinance, the inmate can make some final requests and air a few cherished desires. Close family members are allowed to visit the inmate. The condemned is also served one dram of wine each day. It is also possible to smoke three cigarettes or beedis daily. This is supplemented by fresh hoppers, three bundles of betel leaves and tea. By contrast, convicted killers in the US are able to order steaks, shrimp and chocolate chip ice cream!

On day number seven, the executioner, the somewhat ostracized choreographer of death is brought into the Welikada Prison and begins a meticulous process of getting the gallows into operational position. A guard is placed 24 hours at the site where the execution is to be carried out. An overwhelming stillness invades the prison.

Long Drop

The method used in Sri Lanka, known as the Long Drop method of hanging a prisoner was first devised by William Marwood of Britain in 1872.

The robust executioner must weigh the inmate, as per the Table of Drop and then has to fill a sack with sand, to the exact weight. Next, several practice runs are made to ensure a smooth execution.

In Sri Lanka, the inmate is suspended by a sturdy rope and stands on a trap door. When the lever is released with one precision jerk, the trap door gives way to instant death.

Religious rites

By tradition, all executions are carried out at 7 a.m. At 8 a.m, the inmate has access to final religious rites and prayers within the walls of the C- Ward.

He is then dressed in white attire, complete with a hood that covers his full face. Physical movement of the hands is further restrained by a body belt.

He is thereafter carefully escorted out of his holding cell by the two executioners and positioned on the 'stage' where, as a final security measure, his feet are fastened by an ankle strap.

This is done to prevent the movement of feet and making any attempt to bypass the trapdoor as it gives way. The noose rests securely on the condemned person's neck. One executioner double checks the resistance of the knot. The other takes his place by the lever.

Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Prisons and the Prison Medical Officer stand as witnesses. On the morning of the execution, the customary bell that heralds other inmates to work is not rung. The eerie silence is almost deafening. Once all this is in place, the final order is given.

Two human hands rapidly take away one human life. The Prison Medical Officer will carry out his duties confirming that the condemned prisoner has paid the price for the crime committed. The body is next dispatched to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO).

As per the Prison Ordinance, the body must be buried within 24 hours, but at times, is handed over to the family, on request. The executioner having performed his duty is now free to return home.

Interviews

Commissioner General Pushpakumara said interviews have been successfully conducted to fill the vacancies for two executioners with aspiring applicants aged between 19 to 40 years of age. The two selected persons, appointed last Friday (15) will undergo training for three weeks.

Whenever this nation is ready to implement the death penalty, the dedicated officers at Welikada Prison will be primed and ready for the task.

While death is the final exit to human existence, it apt to be reminded of Mahatma Gandhi's words that 'A person's conscience is the highest court.'