A historic High Court ruling closes a two and a half year legal battle over the brutal 2022 killing that stunned the nation and reshaped Sri Lanka’s political crisis narrative.
Twelve individuals convicted of assaulting and murdering former Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer have been sentenced to death.
The order was delivered today by the Gampaha Permanent Three-Judge High Court while announcing the long awaited verdict. The case has been heard continuously for more than two and a half years since 2023.
The three-judge bench comprised Justices Sahan Mapa Bandara, Rashmi Singappuli and Rasantha Godawela, who unanimously delivered the judgment after extensive criminal proceedings and witness examinations.
The double murder occurred on May 9, 2022, during the height of the national struggle. Athukorala, representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, and his security officer, Police Sergeant Jayantha Gunawardena, were returning to Polonnaruwa after attending a public meeting at Temple Trees. They were attacked in Nittambuwa by a group of protesters and fatally assaulted with clubs. CCTV footage captured the violent incident.
Investigations were led by Senior Superintendent of Police Hemal Prashantha of the Criminal Investigation Department’s Organized Crime and Homicide Division. Forty one suspects were charged under 14 indictments filed by the Attorney General before the Gampaha High Court.
Two accused died during trial and two absconded, with proceedings continuing in their absence. After earlier adjournments due to procedural delays, the verdict was finally delivered today, marking a significant chapter in Sri Lanka’s criminal justice system.
