The Supreme Court has overturned a verdict delivered by a three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court that acquitted five fishermen arrested in 2019 in the northern seas while transporting 196.8 kilograms of heroin.
Following this decision, the Supreme Court has directed the High Court to re-examine the case.
The order was issued by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court after considering an appeal filed by the Attorney General challenging the Colombo High Court’s decision to acquit the accused.
The petition was reviewed by a panel comprising Justices S. Thurairajah, Yasantha Kodagoda, Shiran Gunaratne, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando.
Deputy Solicitor General Azath Wanavi, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed the court that three of the acquitted individuals have since fled the country. He stated that necessary steps are being taken to apprehend them, including the issuance of red notices through Interpol.
The bench instructed the Deputy Solicitor General to file a motion containing these details on or before the 11th of this month.
Meanwhile, counsel representing the defendants informed the court that their written submissions in relation to the petition have already been filed.
