• Hasitha Samantha was indicted under section 296 for committing murder against UNP provincial councillor Ranjith Nandasena and his private secretary Thushara Deepal

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Colombo High Court yesterday ordered to acquit and release former Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councillor Muhandiramge Hasitha Samantha alias Sarpaya from a case filed against him for allegedly killing two individuals in 1999.   

High Court Judge Nawaratne Marasinghe observed that prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.   

The High Court Judge further observed that the prosecution evidence lacked the credibility to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.   

Hasitha Samantha alias Sarpaya was indicted under section 296 for committing murder against UNP provincial councillor Ranjith Nandasena and his private secretary Thushara Deepal by shooting them and setting them on fire while inside a vehicle on or around September 3, 1999.   

Senior Counsel Dharshana Kuruppu appeared for the accused.   
Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Pieris appeared for the Attorney General.