News

SC affirms death sentences of 6 including Vass Gunawardena

Published

11 months ago

August 8, 2024

editor

The Supreme Court five-judge bench today decided to dismiss the appeal petitions filed by former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, and four police officers who challenged the Colombo High Court’s judgment to impose the death sentence and convict them of committing the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam.

The Supreme Court’s five-judge bench comprised Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Preethi Padman Surasena, Gamini Amarasekara, Achala Wengappuli, and Arjuna Obeyesekere.

Former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, and four police officers were sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar Bench for the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam in 2013 in the Dompe area.

The accused who were sentenced to death are former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, Sub Inspector Indika Bamunuge, Police Constable (PC) Gamini Sarath Chandra, PC Priyanka Sanjeewa, and PC Kelum Ranga. Through their appeal, the six accused sought the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to review and set aside their convictions and the death sentence imposed by the High Court.

Gamini Marapana PC, Navin Marapana PC, Counsel Nandapala Wickremasuriya, Kaushalya Molligoda, and Uchitha Wickremasinghe appeared for Vaas Gunawardena and his son Ravindu Gunawardena. Senior Counsel Darshana Kuruppu appeared for the second accused. Anuja Premaratne PC appeared for the third accused. Counsel Ranjan Mendis appeared for the fourth accused. Anil Silva PC with Asitha Vipulanayake appeared for the fifth accused. Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena appeared for the Attorney General.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, arrested

Published

8 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.

News

Nishantha Wickramasinghe remanded again (Update)

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been remanded till July 15 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

(Previous news 2025 July 01,12.15pm.)

Ex-SriLankan Airlines chief produced before court

Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials today (July 01).

Wickramasinghe was arrested last week by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and is currently in remand custody,