Balapitiya High Court Delivers Verdict in 18-Year Police Constable Murder Trial

The Balapitiya High Court, presided over by Judge Ruchira Weliwatta, has concluded an 18-year-long trial by sentencing one defendant to death for the murder of a police constable. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, April 22, saw Merenchi Kankanamge Pasad Manoranjan, also known as "Kalutara Chuti," the fourth accused, receive the death penalty. Three other defendants in the case were acquitted and released. The case centered on the fatal shooting of Police Constable Dilip Kumarasinghe (15615) of the Baddegama Police, who was killed while on duty during a raid.