Maru Sira

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D.J. Siripala (died March 5, 1975), better known as Maru Sira, was a Sri Lankan criminal who was executed amongst much controversy. Maru Sira achieved fame through several daring escapes.

Contents

[edit] Life and career

[edit] Death

After escaping for a third time, Maru Sira was sentenced to death in absentia for the killing of a man in March 1974. He was subsequently captured and sent to Bogambara Prison to await his execution on August 5, 1975.[1]

On the night before the execution prison guards gave Maru Sira a high dose of Largactil to prevent an escape attempt. The overdose caused Maru Sira to collapse into a state of unconsciousness from which he never recovered. He was carried to the scaffold on a stretcher and laid across the trapdoor. The noose was then placed around his neck and the trapdoor was opened. Due to the short fall (2 feet 2 inches) caused by his slumped position Maru Sira died from slow strangulation. If he had been standing he would have died instantly from the breaking of his neck.[1]

[edit] Aftermath

News of Maru Sira's slow death led to public outrage. A presidential commission was appointed to look into the controversial execution. Two popular films Siripala and Ranmenika and Maruwa Samaga Wase were made based on Maru Sira's story.[2] Baila singer Anton Jones wrote and sang a song detailing his exploits.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b A case against the noose. Daily Mirror (2003). Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
  2. ^ I watched them being hanged. SundayTimes (2001). Retrieved on 2007-07-17.