The Supreme Court has affirmed the death sentence imposed on five defendants, including former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vass Gunawardena, in connection with the murder of millionaire businessman Mohammed Shyam. The decision was conveyed to the defendants before the Colombo High Court on the 20th.
The defendants, including former DIG Vass Gunawardena and his son Ravindu Gunawardena, were brought to court by prison officials to be officially informed of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige addressed the defendants, stating that the Supreme Court had dismissed their appeals against the death sentence handed down by a three-member bench of the Colombo High Court. Consequently, the Supreme Court upheld the original sentence without alteration.
During the proceedings, the defense counsel representing the convicted individuals noted that the Supreme Court had not specified a date for the execution of the sentence. The lawyer emphasized the significance of this detail, particularly if the defendants were to seek a presidential pardon, and requested an order regarding the timeline for implementing the sentence.
In response, Judge Patabendige clarified that the authority to determine such matters lies exclusively with the Supreme Court and that the High Court does not have jurisdiction to issue orders on the execution date.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, now awaits further decisions regarding the implementation of the sentence.
