The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence handed down by a three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court to five defendants, including former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vass Gunawardena,

in connection with the murder of millionaire businessman Mohammed Shyam. The defendants were officially informed of the decision at the Colombo High Court today (20).

Prison officials brought the five defendants, including Vass Gunawardena and his son Ravindu Gunawardena, before Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige. The judge announced that the Supreme Court had dismissed the appeals filed against the death sentence, confirming the High Court's earlier ruling.

During the proceedings, the defendants' lawyer highlighted the absence of a specified date for implementing the sentence. He argued that this information is crucial for the defendants, particularly if they plan to seek a presidential pardon. However, Justice Patabendige clarified that only the Supreme Court has the authority to determine the date of implementation, and no order could be issued by the High Court on the matter.