News

SC affirms death sentences of 6 including Vass Gunawardena

Published

1 month 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

Ranil, Sajith, Anura debate tonight at 10 pm

Published

3 hours ago

September 9, 2024

editor

The topical political dialogue discussing the future of Sri Lanka’s economy will be broadcasted on Rupavahini at 10 pm onwards through the ‘Karata Kara’ current affairs discussion programme.

Cabinet Spokesman, Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana will participate on behalf of the Independent Presidential candidate, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Eran Wickremeratne MP on behalf of Sajith Premadasa, the Presidential candidate of Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Prof.Anil Jayantha on behalf of the National People’s Power presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake and MP Gamini Waleboda for Dilith Jayaweera, Presidential Candidate of Sarvajana Balaya will take part.

Debates, views and opinions will be presented regarding the national economic programme that will build the country and the moderator for the discussion will be journalist Chamara Wijayawickrama.

(Daily News)

(This story, originally published by Daily News has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Thalatha backs Ranil for stabilizing the economy

Published

3 hours ago

September 9, 2024

editor

Former Minister Thalatha Athukorala has announced her support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Election.

Speaking at the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” rally in Welimada, Athukorala highlighted Wickremesinghe’s role in stabilizing the economy after the crisis following President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s departure.

She praised Wickremesinghe for making tough decisions that helped the country recover, emphasizing her careful consideration in backing him over Sajith Premadasa.

Athukorala described this as a significant moment in her political career.

News

Principal arrested in Mullaitivu for photographing postal ballot

Published

21 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

A principal has been arrested in Mullaitivu after allegedly photographing a postal ballot paper after casting his vote.

The incident occurred on Friday at the voting center located within the Mullaitivu Zonal Education Office.

According to reports, the principal, who was serving as an assistant returning officer, cast his vote on the ballot paper and then took a photograph of it. This was noticed by another officer at the location, who promptly filed a complaint.

The principal was taken into custody yesterday evening. The 55-year-old suspect, a resident of Puthukkudiyiruppu, has since been released on bail.