The Supreme Court today (July 31) granted permission to hear an appeal petition challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision acquitting former Minister Premalal Jayasekara and three other defendants who were sentenced to death.
This order was issued after a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court considered the petition today. The hearing of the petition was adjourned until February 13, 2026.
The aggrieved party has stated in its petition that the Court of Appeal’s decision acquitting Premalal Jayasekara and the defendants is contrary to law. Accordingly, these appeals seek to quash the judgment and reaffirm the death sentence imposed by the High Court against the defendants.
This case was filed in connection with the killing of Mr. Shantha Dodangoda in a shooting attack at a political rally held by former presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena in Kahawatta during the 2015 presidential election.