Fmr. Army Lt. compensates family of dead LTTE suspect

18 October 2016 11:48 am

Former Army Lieutenant, who was convicted for the death of a LTTE suspect, when he was attempting to escape military custody in 1998, today paid Rs. two million to the victim’s family as compensation.

The former army Lieutenant Wimal Wickrema was charged under section 298 of the Penal Code by the Attorney General for shooting carelessly and causing the death of Robert Wellinthan.

The incident took place at the Point Pedro camp in 1998 while the victim was allegedly in handcuffs.

Wickrema was recently sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment with a suspended sentence of 10 years and a fine of Rs. 10,000 by the Colombo High Court.

The Lieutenant was also ordered to pay Rs. two million as compensation to the closest relative of the victim.

The victim’s wife and father received Rs. one million each as compensation before Colombo High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena today. (Shehan Chamika Silva)