Trial of Gunasekara murder suspect commences today

Tuesday, 5 May 2015 07:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Chamodi Gunawardana

The trial of the suspect accused of murdering journalist Mel Gunasekara will commence in the High Court today under case number HC 75559/2014.

Gunasekara was found murdered at her house in Subhuthipura, Battaramulla on 2 February 2014.

Colombo High Court Judge C.B.S. Morayas has given permission to display CCTV footage relating to her murder at the High Court today. The court issued the order after considering a request made by Gunasekara’s lawyer Shanil Kularathna.

Gunasekara was found dead after suffering injuries inflicted by a sharp weapon. She was alone at home at the time the incident occurred as her brother and mother were away at church. They found her dead upon returning home.

After working as an assistant editor in the business section of the Sunday Times, Gunasekara became the founder editor of Lanka Business Online. She then worked at the Colombo bureau of AFP, covering economic and political issues in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Gunasekara assumed duties as the Assistant Vice President at Finch ratings while continuing to function as a freelance business journalist.