Fmr. Tangalle PS chairman sentenced over Khuram Sheikh murder

July 18, 2014 

Former Chairman of the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha, Sampath Vidanapathirana, and three other defendants have been sentenced to 20 years Rigorous Imprisonment over the killing of British aid worker Khuram Sheikh and raping of his girlfriend at a resort in Tangalle. 

Six suspects including the PS chairman were charged over the incident, however two of them were acquitted when the verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Rohini Walgama this morning. 

The trial at the High Court in Colombo represents years of campaigning after Red Cross worker Khuram Shaikh was murdered in December 2011 and his partner brutally assaulted while they were on holiday at the tourist resort of Tangalle.

The verdict brings one of the most high-profile trials to an end more than 2 years since it was taken up at the Colombo High Court, amidst pressure from British MPs and Prime Minister David Cameron for Sri Lankan authorities to investigate the case more thoroughly.  

 Former Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath Chandrapushpa Vidanapathirana (SLFP), the main suspect, had pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder.

The other accused in the case are  Obada Arachchige Lahiru Kelum alias Raveendra, Uduwanage Saman Deshapriya,  Weerappulige  Praneeth Chathuranga, Mohottige Sarath alias  Sahan and  Saranaarachchi Patabendige Chanuka Chathuranga.

They have been also accused of causing damages to the hotel to the tune of Rs. 160, 250  and robbery of bottles of liquor valued at Rs. 41,526.

It has been reported that officials from the British and Russian embassies as well as relatives of the victims were also present for the announcing of the verdict, which was postponed to today (18) after statement were delivered by both parties.