The verdict in the case heard before the Gampaha High Court against 41 individuals accused in connection with the assault and murder of Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer, Jayantha Gunawardena, is scheduled to be delivered today (14). The incident occurred in Nittambuwa town on May 9, 2022, the day the public struggle took place.
The late MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala, his security officer, and a group accompanying them were attacked by a crowd of protesters in Nittambuwa while returning to Polonnaruwa in the MP’s vehicle after attending a public meeting held at Temple Trees.
A total of 41 individuals have been indicted in connection with the incident, with indictments filed by the Attorney General. Of the accused, the 13th and 31st defendants have since passed away, while the 39th and 40th defendants absconded during the trial proceedings.
The case has been heard since 2023 before a three-judge bench of the Gampaha High Court comprising Justices Sahan Mapa Bandara, Rashmi Singappuli, and Rasantha Godawela. During the trial, evidence was recorded from 180 witnesses.
Witnesses included civilians as well as police officers, military personnel, dignitaries, Grama Sevaka officers, and Buddhist monks. Notably, this case marks the first instance in Sri Lanka where a trial of this nature was conducted predominantly based on scientific evidence.
In addition to eyewitness testimony, evidence against each accused was examined using CCTV footage, facial recognition analysis, DNA test recordings, and examinations conducted by SOCO officers.
The prolonged trial involved charges of murder, arson of a vehicle, unlawful assembly, and looting of property.
Among the accused are two university students, three-wheeler drivers, several city shop owners, two employees of the trading establishment where the incident occurred, as well as residents of Nittambuwa and surrounding areas. The third accused was remanded until the conclusion of the trial on charges of absconding on a scheduled court date.
A defense team comprising President’s Counsel Upali Mohotti, along with attorneys Chaminda Athukorala, Lal Kumarapeli, Sirani Dissanayake, and Suranga Gunathilaka, appeared on behalf of the defendants. Representing the Attorney General were Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, Senior State Counsel Oswald Perera, and State Counsel Arindra Jayasinghe.
