The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the death sentence imposed on LTTE member Johnson Colin Valentino, alias Vasanthan, for the assassination of United National Party (UNP) Jaffna District Parliamentarian T. Maheswaran, closing a chapter on one of the most politically significant killings during Sri Lanka’s civil conflict.
The assassination occurred on 1 January 2008, inside the revered Ponnambalavaneswarar Sivan temple in Kotahena, where Mr. Maheswaran was attending New Year religious observances. A gunman opened fire, fatally wounding the MP and injuring several others. A shootout with his security detail left the assailant injured. Despite his critical condition, Mr. Maheswaran identified Valentino as the shooter while being rushed to the Colombo National Hospital—a statement later corroborated by DNA evidence.
Legal Proceedings
The Colombo High Court initially sentenced Valentino to death, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal. Seeking relief, the accused petitioned the Supreme Court for special leave to proceed. However, during hearings before Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Achala Wengappuli, and Menaka Wijesundara, his counsel, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, requested to withdraw the petition, citing evidence that could neither be disproved nor contested. The Supreme Court granted the withdrawal, effectively confirming the death sentence.
Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, PC, represented the Attorney General.
(Witht he inputs from Sunday Times)