The Supreme Court's five-judge bench has dismissed the appeal petitions filed by former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, and four police officers. They had challenged the Colombo High Court's decision to impose the death sentence and convict them for the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam.
The Supreme Court bench comprised Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Preethi Padman Surasena, Gamini Amarasekara, Achala Wengappuli, and Arjuna Obeyesekere.
The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, and four police officers to death for the 2013 murder of Mohamed Shyam in Dompe.
The accused are former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, Sub Inspector Indika Bamunuge, Police Constable Gamini Sarath Chandra, PC Priyanka Sanjeewa, and PC Kelum Ranga. Through their appeal, they sought a review of their convictions and death sentences.
Gamini Marapana PC, Navin Marapana PC, Counsel Nandapala Wickremasuriya, Kaushalya Molligoda, and Uchitha Wickremasinghe represented Vaas Gunawardena and his son. Senior Counsel Darshana Kuruppu represented the second accused, Anuja Premaratne PC represented the third, Counsel Ranjan Mendis represented the fourth, and Anil Silva PC with Asitha Vipulanayake represented the fifth. Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena appeared for the Attorney General.
