The Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar announced today (14) that the delivery of the verdict in the case related to the murder of former Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala has been postponed until February 11.
The Polonnaruwa District MP and his security officer, a Police Constable, were reported dead amid unrest in the Nittambuwa area during the nationwide violence on May 9, 2022.
Initial reports indicated that a shooting incident occurred in Nittambuwa that evening, after which six injured persons were admitted to the Wathupitiwala Base Hospital. Hospital sources later confirmed that three had sustained gunshot injuries, while a 27-year-old, who was in critical condition, later succumbed to his injuries.
According to reports, the MP and his security officer opened fire at a group of protesters who were blocking his vehicle, critically injuring two individuals. The MP and his security officer were later found dead while hiding inside a nearby building.
CCTV footage obtained from a nearby location reportedly showed MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala fleeing the scene with his armed security officer. Subsequently, dozens of suspects were arrested on several occasions on suspicion of involvement in the murder.
