The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence imposed on former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vass Gunawardena and four others over the abduction and murder of businessman Mohammed Siyam.
The defendants, including Vass Gunawardena and his son Ravindu Gunawardena, were informed of this decision today ( December 20) in the Colombo High Court.
High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige confirmed that their appeals were rejected and that the three-member High Court’s original death sentence stands.
The defense raised concerns about the lack of a specified date for implementing the death sentence, arguing that this detail is essential for seeking a potential presidential pardon.
Judge Patabendige clarified that the implementation date falls under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction, and he cannot issue any orders on the matter.
Previously, Former DIG Vass Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Gunawardena, and four others were convicted of the murder of businessman Mohammed Shiyam by a three-judge panel. The bench included High Court Judges Lalith Jayasuriya (President), Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, and Amendra Seneviratne.
The Colombo High Court sentenced all six individuals to death after finding them guilty of the crime.
