16 Guilty, 12 Given Death Penalty in MP Athukorala Murder Trial | 23 others Acquitted

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Gampaha High Court three‑judge bench today (11) sentenced 12 individuals to death after finding them guilty of murdering former Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer Jayantha Gunawardena during the unrest of May 9, 2022.

The incident occurred in Nittambuwa on the same day the Aragalaya was underway at Galle Face. The assault on the former Polonnaruwa District MP and his protection officer resulted in both men losing their lives.

In connection with the killings, the Attorney General filed indictments against 41 suspects before the Gampaha High Court.

Following a prolonged trial spanning several months, the three‑judge bench delivered its verdict today.

The court found 16 accused guilty, of whom 12 were sentenced to death, while four others received suspended prison sentences.

Meanwhile, 23 defendants were acquitted and released from the case.