May 17, Colombo (LNW): Major General Aruna Deshapriya Gunawardena and four other accused have been acquitted by a three-member High Court bench in connection with the Rathupaswala incident. This verdict was announced 11 years after the events in question.
The case involved the killing of three individuals and the injuring of approximately 50 others during a protest in the Rathupaswala area of Weliweriya on August 1, 2013. The protest was sparked by local concerns over drinking water quality.
The acquittal was based on the failure of the Attorney General to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. This decision marks the conclusion of a prolonged legal battle stemming from the tragic incident.
