Sri Lankan Court Sentences 12 to Death for Lawmaker’s Murder

A Sri Lankan court has sentenced twelve men to death for their roles in the murder of lawmaker Amarakeerthi Athukorale and his bodyguard during protests in May 2022. The Gampaha High Court found the individuals guilty of unlawful assembly, assault, and murder in connection with the violent incident that occurred amid the country’s severe economic crisis.

The court’s decision came after a harrowing series of events in Nittambuwa, located approximately 30 kilometres (about 18.6 miles) north of the capital, Colombo. Athukorale, a member of the ruling party, and his police bodyguard were attacked by a crowd as they attempted to escape in their vehicle. Reports indicate that gunshots were fired, prompting the crowd to pursue them and ultimately trap them inside a nearby building. Their bodies were later discovered by authorities.

In addition to the death sentences, the court imposed six-month prison terms on another four individuals for unlawful assembly. These sentences are suspended for five years, while 23 others were acquitted of all charges. Senior state counsel Oswald Perera confirmed these details in a statement following the verdict.

The violence that led to these tragic events was sparked by an attack from ruling party supporters on a peaceful anti-government demonstration. This protest was part of widespread unrest calling for the resignation of then-ruling party leaders due to the economic turmoil gripping the nation. The crisis had resulted in severe shortages of essential goods and services, and in April 2022, Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy, facing over $83 billion in debt.

As a consequence of the public outcry, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was ousted from power. In July 2022, Ranil Wickremesinghe, a senior opposition lawmaker, was elected as president and initiated measures aimed at economic recovery. Under his leadership, inflation rates fell, the local currency regained value, and foreign reserves improved. Nevertheless, Wickremesinghe faced significant backlash from citizens dissatisfied with his government’s stringent austerity measures.

In 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected president on a platform focused on anti-corruption, reflecting the public’s demand for accountability in governance.

While the Sri Lankan legal system retains the authority to impose the death penalty, it has not executed a prisoner since 1976. The recent court ruling underscores the ongoing tensions and ramifications stemming from the country’s political and economic upheaval, highlighting the challenges facing the nation in the wake of the crisis.