A three-judge Trial-at-Bar in Gampaha has delivered a split verdict in the case over the killing of former MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his police security officer during the 2022 unrest, sentencing 12 accused to death while acquitting 25 others.
The majority judgment of the bench found 16 accused guilty on charges linked to the attack and related offences, with 12 of them receiving the death penalty.
Four other accused were convicted only on the charge of being members of an unlawful assembly and were handed six months’ imprisonment suspended for five years, after being cleared of other charges.
The court also ordered compensation payments of Rs. 50,000 each to Athukorala’s wife, Mali Athukorala, and to Anusha Indika Gunawardena, the wife of Police Sergeant Jayantha Gunawardena, who was serving as Athukorala’s security officer when he was killed. The bench ruled that failure to pay the compensation would result in an additional two years of imprisonment with light labour for each defaulting party.
- Split verdict, dissent by presiding judge
The ruling was issued as a divided decision, with the presiding judge, High Court Judge Sahan Mapa Bandara, delivering the minority opinion and stating that the prosecution had not proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt and that all accused should be acquitted.
However, the other two judges on the panel — Rashmi Singappuli and Rasantha Godawela — delivered the majority opinion, holding that 16 accused were guilty while acquitting 25 on the basis that allegations against them had not been established beyond reasonable doubt.
- Those sentenced to death and the court’s order
The 12 sentenced to death were identified as the 1st accused Dhanushya Lakshantha, 4th accused Mohamed Dilshan, 5th accused Sagara Fernando, 6th accused Supun Tharindu Sunilrathna, 7th accused Indika Kumara Wijesinghe, 14th accused Ramaiya Sathya Kumar, 19th accused Charuka Deshan, 21st accused Sanath Weera Prasanna, 26th accused Yohan Madhubhashitha Jayaweera, 27th accused Rangana Ruwan, 35th accused Dinuka Prabath Jayathilaka, and 40th accused Ashan Peiris.
The bench ordered that the death sentences be carried out by hanging at Welikada Prison on a date and time to be fixed by the President.
- Background to the case
Prosecutors filed 14 charges over events in Nittambuwa on or around May 9, 2022, alleging an unlawful assembly and the assault and killing of Athukorala and Sergeant Gunawardena, along with charges including theft and damage to property.
Among the allegations were the destruction by fire of a government-owned vehicle used by Athukorala, with losses cited at Rs. 45 million, theft of vehicle parts, theft of rings and a bank card belonging to Athukorala’s wife, and the use of that card to make unlawful purchases.
The trial was heard before a Trial-at-Bar appointed following a request by the Attorney General, given the public impact of the incident.
Media reported that evidence was led from around 80 witnesses, including law enforcement and military personnel, public officials and medical experts, and that the prosecution’s written submissions ran to 695 pages.
Two of the accused died during the trial proceedings, while two others were reported to have absconded abroad and were tried in absentia.
What a split verdict means
A “split verdict” occurs when judges on a multi-judge bench deliver different conclusions, with the majority view becoming the court’s final determination.
The suspects can appeal the verdict in a higher court. (Newswire)
12 individuals sentenced to death over the killing of MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala during the Aragalaya period were taken to prison today.
Emotional scenes as family members broke down in tears outside court. pic.twitter.com/BVeZXafqq4— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) February 11, 2026