The relatives of those found guilty in the murder of former Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer have announced plans to appeal the recent judgment delivered by the Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar.

They made the statement after meeting a Director General at the Presidential Secretariat today (23).

Addressing the media, the wife of one of the convicted individuals said they were seeking a fair ruling from the Supreme Court. She said a written communication had been handed over to the President outlining what they described as the injustice they had faced and informing him of their intention to challenge the verdict.

“We came to meet the President today and handed over a letter explaining the injustice we have been subjected to. We are also filing an appeal regarding our case,” she said.

Expressing hope for a favourable outcome, she added that they expected a fair determination from the court and had requested the President to ensure justice.

“We are very helpless at this time. There are many mothers with children affected by this,” she said.

She further stated that while they respected the decision delivered by the three-member High Court bench, one judge had dissented and acquitted the accused.

“We bow our heads in respect of the verdict given by the three-member court. One judge acquitted and released them, which has given us hope. There is another opportunity available to us, and that is the chance we are taking. Our only hope now is to file an appeal and seek the release of these 12 individuals,” she said.