Colombo, Sri Lanka – September 13, 2024: Former Member of Parliament Duminda Silva, along with Chaminda Ravi Jayanath (also known as Dematagoda Chaminda), has been acquitted by the Supreme Court on the 17th charge related to the possession of an illegal T-56 firearm and aiding and abetting the same. This decision was formally communicated by Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nishanka on the 13th of September.
Duminda Silva, who had previously been convicted for the murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra and sentenced to death by a special three-member bench of the Colombo High Court, received this ruling as a significant legal development in his case. The charges had stemmed from the infamous 2011 killing, which had rocked the political landscape of Sri Lanka.
Supreme Court Ruling Voids Life Sentences
The Supreme Court, in a decision issued on October 11, 2018, had already declared that the life sentences imposed on Silva and other defendants on September 8, 2016, were null and void. This ruling laid the groundwork for the latest acquittal on the firearm possession charge. Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nishanka, in line with the Supreme Court’s decision, informed the parties involved of this recent acquittal, including Chaminda Ravi Jayanath and Sarath Bandara (S.F. Sarath), another defendant in the case.
Despite these legal victories, Silva’s absence from court due to health reasons was noted. He is currently receiving treatment at the Welikada prison hospital, and a medical report regarding his condition was submitted to the court by prison officials. The court was informed that Silva had not been presented for the latest hearing, given his ongoing medical care.
Legal Developments and Future Proceedings
In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the High Court ordered new actions to be taken. The 11th defendant, Sarath Bandara, will have a new prison license issued, in line with the revised legal decisions. Furthermore, High Court Judge Nishanka ordered the court registrar to ensure that all necessary legal documentation follows the Supreme Court’s directives.
Duminda Silva, who has been a controversial figure in Sri Lanka’s political and legal circles, still faces various legal challenges. However, this acquittal represents a notable turn in the ongoing saga surrounding the high-profile Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra murder case.
Advocate Ravindra de Silva appeared on behalf of the defendants during these proceedings.
Background on the Case
The murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, a presidential advisor and political figure, occurred in 2011 during a violent confrontation involving political factions. Silva was accused of orchestrating the attack, which led to Premachandra’s death, a case that has captivated the nation for years. The conviction and subsequent appeals have been mired in controversy, drawing significant attention from both the media and the public.
As the legal battles continue, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact Silva’s future, both politically and legally.
