He was making a statement in the docks before the verdict against him and the others were announced yesterday (08).

Another convict Chaminda Ravi Jayanath alias Dematagoda Chaminda said what had told courts was true and that he too, was not guilty.

Anura Thushara de Mel, a policeman, also pleaded not guilty.

So did the other Sarath Bandara.

At 11.50 am, all lights in the courtroom were switched off, and justice Padmini Ranawaka announced the death sentence on the four convicts in a divided ruling by the three-member high court bench.

Lawyers for the convicts say they would soon file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the verdict.

Silva’s lawyer Anil Silva said his client, who suffered serious injuries to his head in the Mulleriyawa shooting, have been advised by doctors not to undergo any shock.

The lawyer asked that he be given the minimum possible sentence, and thanked chairman of the bench Shiran Gunaratne for having cleared Silva of the charges.

He alleged outside interference to make his client and the others guilty, but said they had faith in the independence of the judiciary.