Appeal on behalf of Vass Gunawardana who was sentenced to death

Attorneys representing Former DIG Vass Gunawardana said that they would file an appeal over the death sentence imposed on him and others accused.

An Attorney appearing on behalf of the accused said that the appeal will be filed within 14 days.

6 suspects including Former DIG Vass Gunawardana and his son Ravindu Gunawardana were sentenced to death after they were found guilty of the murder of Millionaire Businessman Mohamed Siyam.

The verdict was announced by the High Court judge Lalith Jayasuriya, who chaired the panel of judges.

The suspects were indicted for conspiring with Mohammad Fowzdeen and Krishantha Koralage during the time frame between April 04th and May 22nd in 2013.

Mohammad Fowzdeen and Krishantha Koralage later switched their position and became state witnesses.

The second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth suspects were charged for the murder of the businessman.

Vass Gunawardana was charged for aiding and abetting the other suspects.

135 witnesses gave evidence before the Court in connection with the case.

Former DIG Vass Gunawardana when given the opportunity rejected the charges made against him in connection with the murder.

He further stated that ASP Shani Abeysekera dragged his son into this case as a personal feud.

However, the father of millionaire businessman, the late Mohammad Siyam stated that ex DIG Vass Gunawardana is innocent in the case of the murder of his son.