MP Amarakeerthi case: Families of 12 death-row convicts seek President’s intervention

23 February 2026 04:41 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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Colombo, Feb. 23 (Daily Mirror) - Relatives of the 12 men sentenced to death over the killing of former MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his police security officer staged an appeal outside the Presidential Secretariat this morning, urging the President to intervene.

Carrying a written petition, the group sought an opportunity to meet the Head of State and present what they described as “serious injustices” suffered by their families following last week’s court verdict. They were later granted a discussion with a senior official at the Secretariat, according to those present.

Speaking to the media, family members said they intend to pursue further legal remedies, including filing an appeal against the sentence, while also seeking clemency and a fresh review of the case.

One woman, identifying herself as the wife of a convicted man, said her husband had been the sole breadwinner supporting five children and several extended family members.

“Since his arrest and conviction, we have fallen into severe financial difficulty. We are now living in rented accommodation and struggling to survive. We have no one to support us. Our children are suffering. We are asking for justice and fairness,” she said.

Another relative claimed that one of the convicted men had maintained his innocence prior to the verdict, insisting to his family that he had committed no wrongdoing.

The families said they would continue to explore both legal and humanitarian avenues in what they described as a desperate bid to secure justice for their loved ones.

Comments - 12

Yohan Monday, 23 February 2026 04:48 PM

All these fellows didn't think of the consequences when they dragged the two dying men down the Nihal Fashions building - leaving a trail of blood on the stairway and the floor. What clemency for them!

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Sokrates Monday, 23 February 2026 04:51 PM

What does it mean to secure justice for their loved ones? The murderers have received justice.

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Dr Tissa Fernando Monday, 23 February 2026 05:03 PM

So , they think seem to think the law does not apply to them. Of president pardons them, that will leave a big black mark agaist him. But elsewhere in biggest democracies criminals have been pardoned luke never before. Let us seewhat happens in this case.

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Dinesh Monday, 23 February 2026 05:15 PM

They should have thought about their children and family before committing murder!!!

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Abey Gunapala Monday, 23 February 2026 05:20 PM

Reminds of 1983 riots. No one got convicted. At least the Hon Prez be a statesman can give an apology.

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Sarojini Monday, 23 February 2026 06:01 PM

What about the families of innocent victims. They suffer too without their loved ones. Do they want to legalize the political killings ?

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RanjithT Monday, 23 February 2026 06:32 PM

Comrades have nothing to do with the death sentence and judiciary is an independent instrument. When you pray for rain you must be prepared to deal with mud too. What about justice to the victims and their families and their right to LIFE.

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Wilton Monday, 23 February 2026 11:06 PM

What goes around comes around. Hang the buggers as a warning to others.

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Cheers Tuesday, 24 February 2026 12:40 AM

President anura kumara wi pardon his own killers who instigated by him and his henchmen in government and judiciary should stop this over ruling the pacha President who has blood and violence in his hands during aragalaya

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lion Tuesday, 24 February 2026 04:53 AM

it was spontaneous and there was no planned to murder Amarakeerthi. The situation in the country of that day was very violent and aggressive with the attacking of peaceful demonstrators by Rajapaksha goons . Amarakeerthis vehicle was full of arrack bottles . Amarakeerthi was murder was prompted by his action of killing a young innocent by stander whose murder was not probed by the authorities yet. All those who were sentenced to death should be pardoned and it should be mentioned that one judge in the bench released all those who were accused for the murder.

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Don Tuesday, 24 February 2026 05:22 AM

I want NPP to uphold law and order. President should not offer presidential pardon for anyone convicted by law. NPP was not involved in Aragalaya. Ordinary people did it. NPP best used the opportunity created. This doesn’t mean NPP encouraged crime acts. People who were unsettled by the attacks made by government sponsored goons. So, people crossed the line. So, people who made such mistakes will be punished by law. If any one of them didn’t have prior criminal records and if they behave good in the prison, their sentences could be converted into life imprisonment and later reduced years. That could be done lawfully. Further if any families have no breadwinners they will be eligible for government subsidies and payments. Basically the president should not send wrong message and should not use this politically. If he made a wrong decision, opposition will use this and say Anura is no different to Gota.

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K A F Tuesday, 24 February 2026 06:07 AM

Who organized the killing of the MP? UNFAIR JUSTICE CATCH THE LEADER WHO ORGANIZE THE ARAGALAYA;

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