Hirunika hails SC verdict despite mixed feelings

By Nuwan Senarathna

Commenting on the verdict delivered by the Supreme Court on former MP Duminda Silva’s death sentence, MP Hirunika Premachandra yesterday said she had mixed feelings about the ruling.

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the appeals filed by former MP Duminda Silva and two others against their death penalties over the murder of former Presidential Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra.

“As a Buddhist I feel sad, but as a citizen of this country I am happy about the ruling of the Supreme Court,” the MP said, addressing a press conference at Sirikotha last morning. 

She said that the Judiciary of the country had become independent and the judgment gave new hope to the public. 

“Therewas a lot of speculation that the former MP would be freed. One media organisationcarried news stories to the effect that the verdict had already been given, even before the appeal had been taken up in court; on occasion they tried to give the impression that Duminda Silva’s opinion and that of the judges was one and the same. I believe this is an insult to the Judiciary,” she added.

She said the Coalition Government had assured ‘Yahapalanaya’ or good governance by establishing an independent Judiciary in the country.

“I heard some people saying that when theirpresident comes into power, they will take Duminda Silva out. Electing a president is not an easy task as it is the decision of the public,” she added.