Death sentence a b’day gift - accused

Accused recites poem before sentence was passed:

Kapila Somaratne Panadura group corr.

An accused in a murder case, sentenced to death on his birthday, said he considered the verdict as a “birthday gift” when Panadura Provincial High Court Judge Amal Thilakaratne asked him to tell court what he had to say.

The accused Abeya Sri Guruge alias ‘Karatiya’ of Homagama stood undeterred in the dock when the judge sentenced him to death according to a majority verdict of the jury on Thursday.

He even recited a Sinhala poem before the death sentenced was passed.

The accused had been a Yoga and Karate instructor of Homagama. He was indicted by the Attorney General with committing the murder of Priyanee Nanayakkara, 38, a mother of two, on or about January 25, 2007 at Kiriwathuduwa, Kahatuduwa.

The jury trial continued for days before the Panadura Provincial High Court.

State Counsel Asanka Mendis led evidence.

Attorney Lalith Dahanayake appeared for the accused.