Appeal of Ex-DIG Vas Gunawardena, others to be heard continually

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The appeal filed by former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena and four police officers challenging Colombo High Court’s judgement convicting them for committing the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam was yesterday fixed for arguments by Supreme Court.  

Supreme Court five-judge-bench comprising Justices Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Vijith Malalgoda, Preethi Padman Surasena, Gamini Amarasekara and Achala Wengappuli fixed the appeal for arguments to be heard on day-to-day basis commencing from February 8, next year.  

Supreme Court decided to re-commence arguments following the demise of Justice Prasanna Jayawardene and the retirement of Justice Sisira de Abrew who were members of Supreme Court five-judge-bench.   

Former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena and four police officers were sentenced to death by Colombo High Court Trial–at-Bar Bench for committing the murder of millionaire- businessman Mohamed Shyam in 2013 at Dompe.   The accused who were ordered to be sentenced to death were; former DIG Vaas Gunawardena and his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, Sub Inspector Indika Bamunuge, Police Constable (PC) Gamini Sarath Chandra, PC Priyanka Sanjeewa and PC Kelum Ranga.  

Through their appeal,  the six accused-appellants stated that they were seeking the jurisdiction of Supreme Court to review and set aside their conviction and the death sentence imposed by the High Court.  

President’s Counsel Gamini Marapana with Anil Silva PC, Anuja Premaratne PC, Counsel Darshana Kuruppu and Counsel Asitha Vipulanayake appeared for the accused-appellants.  Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena appeared for the Attorney General.