The Colombo High Court today announced that the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has upheld its previous ruling confirming the death sentences imposed on former DIG Vass Gunawardena and five other accused over the abduction and murder of businessman Mohamed Siyam in 2013.

The Colombo High Court informed the decision after the accused, including former DIG Vass Gunawardena and his son Ravindu Gunawardena, a Senior Police Inspector, and three Police Constables, were produced in court today by prison officials. 

Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandige informed the accused that the Supreme Court had rejected their appeal filed in connection to the case, and had confirmed their death sentences.

Attorney Rahul Jayathilleke, representing the accused, had informed the court that the Supreme Court had not mentioned the date of imposing the punishment, such as since when the imposed punishment is valid, where the punishment was pronounced by the High Court in November 2015.  

Pointing out that the date of imposing the punishment was very important, he requested the court to issue an order in this regard, as it is not mentioned in the Supreme Court order.

Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandige responded that he cannot do so as only the Supreme Court has the power to issue the requested order.

DIG Vaas Gunawardena and the other accused were convicted and sentenced to death for the abduction and murder of Colombo-based businessman Mohamed Shiyam as a contract killing for $50,000 in May 2013. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has confirmed the death sentences imposed on former DIG Vass Gunawardena and five other accused over the abduction and murder of businessman Mohamed Siyam in 2013.

The death sentences issued to former DIG Vass Gunawardena, his son, and four other accused by the three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court were confirmed by the Supreme Court today. 

The five-judge bench of the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentences after dismissing the appeals made by the accused requesting to be released from the case. 

The accused include former DIG Vass Gunawardena, his son, a Senior Police Inspector, and three Police Constables. 

DIG Vaas Gunawardena and the other accused were initially convicted and sentenced to death for the abduction and murder of Colombo-based businessman Mohamed Shiyam as a contract killing for $50,000 in May 2013. (Newswire)

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