A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and comprising Justices Achala Wengappuli and Gihan Kulatunga, yesterday (21) issued an open warrant for the arrest of former State Minister Premalal Jayasekara, who failed to appear in court.
Two other defendants, who appeared before the court, were ordered to be remanded.
The case involves a shooting incident at Kahawatta during the 2015 presidential election campaign. One person, who backed common candidate Maithripala Sirisena, died in that incident.
The Ratnapura High Court sentenced three accused, including Premalal Jayasekara, to death after finding them guilty in connection with the incident. They appealed against the Ratnapura High Court decision. The Court of Appeal ordered the acquittal and release of Jayasekara and the two other defendants.
The aggrieved party later filed an appeal challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision. The Supreme Court concluded the hearing of that appeal on 4 Sept., and issued notices directing all three defendants to appear before court on 21 October.