Hirunika Premachandra, a former junior member of the Sri Lankan Parliament, was involved in a legal case where she was accused of several charges, including abducting a young man named Amila Priyanka, who worked as a trader in the Dematagoda area.
The incident occurred on December 21, 2015, when the Attorney General filed a case against her. After a thorough hearing, the Colombo High Court found her guilty of abducting and wrongfully imprisoning the young man.
The court sentenced her to three years of imprisonment with hard labour. The charges also included assaulting the victim. After careful consideration, Judge Amal Ranaraja presided over the case and announced the verdict.
Convicted on 18 charges
The court has announced that former MP Hirunika Premachandra is guilty of 18 charges. Additionally, the court has ordered a fine of 20,000 rupees for each charge. In the event of failure to pay the penalties, the sentence will be extended by 6 months for each charge.
The judge’s final decision
When the case was called, Judge Amal Ranaraja highlighted in the open court that there was conclusive evidence proving the accused’s guilt of kidnapping a young man.
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, representing the plaintiff during the sentencing, informed the court that the Colombo High Court had imposed suspended prison sentences and fines on eight individuals who supported the defendant and pleaded guilty concerning the kidnapping.
It was confirmed that the guilty pleas led to the sentences above for the supporters, while the accused hesitated to plead guilty.
Based on the severity of the offences, the Deputy Solicitor General indicated that the court had the authority to impose a 69-year prison sentence with hard labour.
The offence was committed while working as an MP
The Deputy Solicitor General strongly highlighted in the court the gravity of the situation, emphasising that the accused, in her capacity as a Member of Parliament, misused her authority by allegedly abducting a citizen who was a general trader.
He asserted this is a severe transgression that cannot be overlooked, as it erodes the trust placed in public officials.
The Deputy Solicitor General stressed that the accused’s actions are particularly concerning given her position, indicating that such behaviour does not align with her expected conduct and represents a significant and grievous error.
Presentation of the Attorney General’s Department
The Deputy Solicitor General emphasised to the court the gravity of Hirunika Premachandra’s offences and the importance of considering the sentencing principles applicable to a defendant convicted by the court.
He highlighted the need to consider her position as a Member of Parliament during the offences, suggesting that this fact should be carefully weighed in determining the appropriate sentence.
He firmly believed that she had committed a serious offence and should face imprisonment. Additionally, he emphasised that any punishment should not be suspended but rather serve as a means for the defendant to recognise the gravity of her actions. Sending a message to society was also stressed as an essential consideration.
A mother of three young children
During the court proceedings, the President’s lawyer, Anura Maddegoda, acting as the legal representative for Hirunika Premachandra, passionately emphasised that the accused is an exemplary and committed social activist.
He underscored her unwavering courage in confronting societal wrongs and injustices, portraying her as a compassionate and fearless individual.
Mr Maddegoda drew attention to the fact that she is the mother of three young children, aged three, four, and five, pointing out the detrimental impact her imprisonment would have on their well-being and development.
He earnestly appealed to the court to consider a merciful sentencing that avoids imprisonment, taking into account the potential harm to her young children.
An appeal against the verdict
After thoroughly reviewing all the evidence, the presiding judge delivered the final verdict, emphasizing that Hirunika Premachandra had committed a grave offence.
As a result, the judge sentenced her to three years of hard labour and ordered that she be confined to Welikada prison.
Following the pronouncement of the sentence, prison officials escorted the former Member of Parliament from the Colombo High Court to the prison.
Subsequently, her fingerprints were recorded, and she was transferred from the Colombo High Court to the prison. The victim’s legal representatives have announced their intention to appeal against this verdict.
