Forensic science makes history in Amarakirthi murder trial

The Gampaha Trial-at-Bar sentenced 12 individuals to death and four others to suspended prison terms today (11) regarding the 2022 murder of Polonnaruwa District MP Amarakirthi Athukorala and his security officer. Presiding Judge Sahan Mapa Bandara delivered the split verdict, which also saw 23 other defendants acquitted and released from all charges.

The Attorney General had initially filed indictments against 41 suspects on 14 counts, including unlawful assembly, homicide, and damage to public property. The four individuals given suspended sentences were also ordered to pay fines of Rs. 10,000 each and compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the widows of the deceased MP and his security officer, Sergeant Jayantha Gunawardena. Failure to pay the compensation would result in an additional 12-month prison term.

Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara noted that this trial marked a milestone in Sri Lankan legal history as the first to rely heavily on advanced technical and forensic evidence. Investigations utilized CCTV footage, DNA testing, facial recognition technology, and video analysis to verify the involvement of each suspect. During the proceedings, the court recorded testimony from nearly 200 witnesses, including security officials, monks, and civilians.

The incident occurred on 9 May 2022 in Nittambuwa as the MP was returning to Polonnaruwa following a meeting at Temple Trees. Although the defendants maintained their innocence, claiming they were merely bystanders, the court ordered those sentenced to death to be held at Welikada Prison pending execution. The trial, which began in 2023, concluded with these landmark rulings based on scientific evidence.