Former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra was taken to Welikada Prison today following her sentencing to three years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court. Premachandra was escorted by prison officials from the courthouse premises to the prison.

The conviction stems from an incident in 2016, where Premachandra was found guilty of abducting a youth in a Defender vehicle. The case has been a high-profile one, drawing public and media attention.

Premachandra's legal team has already filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal, challenging the High Court's decision. They remain confident that she will be granted bail pending the appeal process.