Court told of LTTE threats to Ratwatte's life

by Wasantha Ramanayake

The Trial-at-Bar hearing the Udathalawinna murder case will deliver its order today on the application by the defence to make the prosecution submissions in the absence of the first accused General Anuruddha Ratwatte due to LTTE threats to his life.

The order will be sequel to the application by the President's Counsel Wijedasa Rajapaske for the first accused, General Anuruddha Ratwatte on the basis of the indications by both local and foreign intelligence services that his client's life was under serious threat by the LTTE. The counsel yesterday submitted that the first accused had been a LTTE's prime target ever since he was appointed Deputy Defence Minister. He submitted that the Police had made representations to the Attorney General in this regard.

Deputy Solicitor General Palitha Fernando for the prosecution submitted that he was unaware of such representations being made to the AG.

The DSG made submissions on behalf of the prosecution.

The Trial-at-Bar comprised High Court Judge Deepali Wijesundara (President) and High Court Judge Sunil Rajapakse.