Tamil prisoner acquitted by HC

By S.S. Selvanayagam

A Tamil prisoner who was incarcerated in prison for 14 years on the alleged offence of attempt on the life of former Defence Secretary and now-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was acquitted by the Colombo High Court.

Five Tamil accused were indicted in the High Court under PTA on 4 December 2013 for the alleged offences, purportedly committed on 1 December 2006 at Kollupitiya Piththala Junction.

The trial on the 4th Accused Chandraposs Selvachandran was conducted before High Court Judge Pradeep Hettiarachchi.

The Court, after having heard the submissions of both parties and the evidence, observed that the confession had been rejected in the voir dire inquiry, and there is no other credible evidence forwarded by the Prosecution.

After conclusion of the trial, the High Court Judge acquitted the 4th Accused, who is a cancer patient.

K.V. Thavarasha P.C instructed by Tharmarajah Tharmaja appeared for the accused. Deputy Solicitor General Rohantha Abeysuriya appeared for the State.