Harbouring of Army Deserters Trial SF SET FREE
High Court acquits Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka and Captain Senaka Haripriya de Silva of charges
Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka and his Personal Assistant Captain Senaka Haripriya de Silva were acquitted of the charges of harbouring of Army deserters consequent to finding that the prosecution had failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt by High Court Judge Devika Tennakoon De Livera yesterday. SEE DETAILED STORY ON PAGE
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The Judge observed that the evidences of the witnesses for the prosecution led by the State Counsel contradicted the charges in the indictment and do not corroborate the allegations against the accused.
As such the accused were acquitted of all charges. The travel restrictions imposed on them were also withdrawn.
Commander Sarath Fonseka and his personal assistant Captain Senaka Haripriya De Silva were indicted by the Attorney General
Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka and his Personal Assistant Captain Senaka Haripriya de Silva were acquitted from the charges of harbouring of Army deserters consequent to finding that the prosecution had failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt by High Court Judge Devika Tennakoon De Livera yesterday.
for harbouring 10 army deserters during the Presidential Election of 2010. They were indicted on 41 charges under Sections 128 and 133 of the Penal Code for committing mutiny and insubordination to the government by harbouring the army deserters by knowing or having reason to believe that the army officers have deserted the army, which was punishable under the Penal Code.
During the hearing of the case Brigadier Asoka Weerasinghe, Lieutenant General Premalal and Major M.D. Prasad Bandara of the Sri Lanka Military Police gave evidence. Senior State Counsel Madhawa Tennakoon with Ms Nayomi Wickramasekera prosecuted. CID Inspector Sunil Saranapala assisted the prosecution.
Senior Counsel Saliya Pieris with Rukshan Nanayakkara, Thanuka Nandasiri and Lisitha Sachendra defended Sarath Fonseka. Counsel Upul Jayasuriya with Kelum Kumarasinghe defended Senaka Haripriya De Silva.
Commander Sarath Fonseka and his personal assistant Captain Senaka Haripriya De Silva were indicted by the Attorney General for harbouring 10 army deserters during the Presidential Election of 2010. They were indicted on 41 charges under Sections 128 and 133 of the Penal Code for committing mutiny and insubordination to the government by harbouring the army deserters by knowing or having reason to believe that the army officers have deserted the army, which was punishable under the Penal Code.