Murder case:

Judge orders Minister to give evidence

Hiran H Senewiratne

Colombo High Court Judge Kumudini Wickramasinghe yesterday ordered Labour Relations and Productivity Improvement Minister Gamini Lokuge to give evidence in a murder case, which involved former UPFA Deputy Minister Chandana Kathriarachchi.

Witness Devage Don Kasturiarchchige Karunaratne giving evidence before court said during the Napamunuwa Co-operative Society election, his brother C. D Chadraratne was murdered on August 24, 1996 in Piliyandala, Kesbewa.

He said this was over a dispute regarding a forged signature of UPFA candidate Weerasena Kodithuwakku in the nomination paper, which they objected to. Karunaratne was a UNP candidate overlooking the election procedure on the advice of then Colombo District UNP MP Gamini Lokuge.

Five accused Sunil Perera, Mahen Peiris, Ruwan Chandana and Chandana Kathriarachchi appeared before Court while one accused Nimal Perera is absconding.

Karunaratne giving evidence said on that day, Kathriarachchi and several others came with weapons to the Co-operative premises and assaulted him and his brothers including Chandraratne also rushed to rescue him.

During the brawl Kathriarachchi ordered to shoot and Perera shot Chandraratne with a pistol. Thereafter, witness and several of his friends admitted Chandraratne to the Kalubowila Hospital Emergency Care Unit where he was pronounced dead.

According to the witness, Lokuge was informed by some persons following the incident and he had then informed Police. Lokuge also visited the place after the incident.

The case was postponed for July 5 for further cross examination and Minister Lokuge being ordered to give evidence before Court.

Dilupa Peiris appeared for the Attorney General and Rajan de Silva and Ranjith de Silva PC appeared for the defendants.