Sri Lanka And Turkey Agree on an Extradition Treaty

Placing particular emphasis on terrorism-related offenses, the Government of Sri Lanka has finalized the process of preparing a bilateral Extradition Treaty with the Government of Turkey.

The statement also added that the Treaty provides for extradition of fugitive offenders who are wanted for prosecution, trial, imposition or enforcement of a sentence in either country. Offenses punishable under the laws in both Contracting Parties by deprivation of liberty for a period of more than one year or by a more severe penalty are made extraditable offenses under the Treaty.

The Extradition Treaty places particular emphasis on terrorist related offences while extradition could be denied if the offense for which extradition is sought is a ‘political offense’. In keeping with the general laws of extradition, the treaty makes specific exceptions, inter alia, in respect of terrorist related offenses, the Ministry statement said.

These include offenses pursuant to international agreements to which Sri Lanka and Turkey are parties, such as the International Conventions on Suppression of Terrorism which establishes the obligation to extradite or prosecute, and offenses constituted by taking or endangering the life of a person, being an offense committed in circumstances in which such conduct creates a collective danger, whether direct or indirect, to the lives of other persons. Thus terrorist related offenses are made extraditable, irrespective of any political motivation that may be present, in relation to such offenses.

The Extradition Treaty is expected to be formally signed by Sri Lanka and Turkey during a high level visit, once the internal formalities are completed, Ministry statement said.

Source: Government of Sri Lanka

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