Repeated death sentence on two prisoners

By Dilip Jayasekara   

The death sentence was imposed yesterday by Tangalle High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga on two prisoners in Angunukolapelessa prisons who stood indicted with murder of a fellow prisoner, and had already been convicted of another murder and sentenced to death.   

The accused Lahadapurge Nimal alias Yakadaya (40) and Kurukulasuriya Balapu Waduge Basyl Mendis (49) of Mutwal in Colombo had on November 16, 2018 caused the death of a fellow prisoner Hewa Elapathage Menaka Sanjeewa alias ‘Ukkuwa’ by striking him with a stone.   

After non-summary proceedings before Angunukolapelessa Magistrate, they were committed to stand trial in the Tangalle High Court.   

 Delivering the death sentence on the two accused, the High Court Judge held that the prosecution had established the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.   

State Counsel Eranga Yakandawala prosecuted.