With reference to the letter of Dr. C. Godamunne of Kandy published in "The Island" of 29/12/00, objecting to the re-introduction of the death penalty, I wonder whether this learned doctor is interested in legalising the killing of human beings by introducing "humane" method of killing.

When the crime rate in our predominantly Buddhist country is reaching the zenith, it is absurd for Dr. Godamunne to write about his grandfather saving the life of a man who had been alleged to have killed an innocent youth.

Instead of trying to justify the release of the criminal on some flimsy ground, let us stop quoting holy scriptures out of context and concentrate on ways and means of putting an end to the gruesome killings that is going on.

A. L. M. Yoosuf
Mawanella