The Court of Appeal on 10 November ordered that former MP Hirunika Premachandra’s appeal against her conviction, three-year prison sentence and fines be called before the President of the Court of Appeal on 11 November after the two judges who heard the appeal reached a split decision.
The appeal was taken up for judgment before Justices P. Kumaran Ratnam and Pradeep Hettiarachchi. Justice Ratnam told open court that the bench was divided and that the appeal would be referred to the President of the Court of Appeal for appropriate action.
Premachandra, who was out on bail, appeared in court.
The Attorney General had filed charges against Premachandra and her supporters in the Colombo High Court over the abduction, wrongful confinement and assault of Amila Priyanka, a young man who worked at a shop in Dematagoda. He was abducted in a Defender vehicle on 21 December 2015.
Eight of Premachandra’s supporters pleaded guilty during the proceedings and received suspended prison sentences and fines. Premachandra pleaded not guilty and stood trial.
Following a lengthy trial, the High Court found Premachandra guilty on 18 counts, sentenced her to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour and imposed fines. She appealed, seeking to have her conviction, prison sentence and fines set aside.
President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando appeared for Premachandra, while Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara appeared for the Attorney General.
