A Sri Lankan court has sentenced the accused in the murder of Sri Lankan President’s brother in 2015 to 18 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Polonnaruwa High Court Judge Nimal Ranaweera yesterday sentenced the accused for killing President Maithripala Sirisena’s brother, Pallewatte Gamaralalage Priyantha Sirisena for 18 years rigorous imprisonment.
The judge also ordered the accused Haputhanthrige Don Ishan Lakmal, a resident of Hathara Ela in New Town, Polonnaruwa to pay Rs. 1 million as compensation to the family of Priyantha Sirisena and a fine of Rs. 20,000.
If the accused fails to pay compensation, he will be sentenced to another two years of rigorous imprisonment and six months in prison if he does not pay the fine.
The Attorney General had filed the case against the accused for attacking Priyantha Sirisena with an axe on 26th March, 2015 resulting in his death.
The accused had attacked Priyantha, 42, with an axe on the back of his head. Priyantha Sirisena succumbed to his injuries a day later while being treated at the intensive care unit at Colombo National Hospital.
The accused later surrendered to the police. On interrogation by the police suspect has said that he was angry at Mr. Priyantha Sirisena for yelling at his parents using foul language.
