Colombo (News 1st): Nine defendants who were charged with the murder of 5 persons in Samithpura, Mattakkuliya, were acquitted and released from all indictments by Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandige, today (June 26). The incident in question occurred on the 23rd of October 2016.

The Attorney General filed 15 separate indictments against the 09 defendants. The High Court Judge ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges filed against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt and there were serious issues considering the credibility of the witnesses.

• EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY
• Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva’s journey to become the Commander of the Army
• President honours outstanding citizens at National Awards ceremony
• Ranil won’t be allowed to contest: Minister Ajith P. Perera
• Only way to stop Gotabaya Rajapaksa is assassination- MP Udaya Gammanpila