Dhammika Perera murder trial on May 21

Sandasen MARASINGHE

COLOMBO: Colombo High Court Judge W.T.M.P.B. Warawewa fixed the trial of the Dhammika Perera murder case for May 21 that was indicted before the High Court directly without a nun summary trial at Magistrate's Court.

Dhammika Perera was shot dead in Hulftsdorp Magistrate's Court premises when he went to give evidence before the Magistrate on January 9, 2004.

The Attorney General's Department filed indictment against Siriwardanage Chaminda Udaya Kumara of Stace Road, Colombo 14 with five counts including the murder of Usliyanage Ruwan Dhammika alias Dhammika Amarasinghe on January 9, 2004.

He was also charged with causing injuries to Seinulabdeen Mohammed Naufer and M. Smile Namudeen and possessing a pistol and live bullets without valid licence.

The Attorney General's Department enlisted 11 productions and 54 witnesses in the case. Minister Mervin Silva and Western Provincial Counsellor Lal Pieris also were in the list of witnesses.

Chaminda Udaya Kumara was granted cash bail of Rs 50,000 and two Rs 100,000 sureties.