Khuram Shaikh trial a test for Lanka's credibility

Sunday, 24 Nov 2013

British MP Simon Danczuk has welcomed news that a politician with close ties to Sri Lanka's top political echelons has been charged with the murder of Rochdale Red Cross worker, Khuram Shaikh, with a trial date set for 2 December.

The Tangalle politician, Sampath Vidanapathiranage, was one of six charged with the murder of Khuram Shaikh and assault of his girlfriend, at the Colombo High Court. It follows a long-standing campaign for justice by Khuram's family and his local MP, after he was murdered on holiday in Sri Lanka on Christmas Day, 2011. Speaking after a High Court judge read out the indictments to the suspects and set a trial date, Danczuk said it was an encouraging development. "There have been concerns all along that political interference was preventing this case from moving forward because one of the suspects is a politician," he said. "We need to see justice being delivered without fear or favour and the fact that we now have a trial date is encouraging."

He added the case had become symbolic of wider problems with the rule of law following the impeachment of the Sri Lankan Chief Justice, and that it was a big moment for the country.

"Many Sri Lankans have told me that it is impossible to get politicians or well-connected people in the dock because they are immune from prosecution," he said. "So this is a big test of Sri Lanka's credibility. We are pleased that justice is now within reach and we hope that the courts will deliver the right verdict and deliver justice for Khuram's family and his girlfriend, Victoria.

Khuram's brother, Nasir Shaikh, added that he would be going out to attend the trial and was glad that a date had finally been set.

"We've waited a long time for this and it's been a very tough campaign," he said. "I'd like to thank everyone from Simon Danczuk to the Prime Minister for putting pressure on the Sri Lankan Government to bring this case to Court. My brother was killed in cowardly circumstances and it will be very hard for me going back for the trial. But I have to see justice done."

Tangalle PS Chairman accused of killing British national released

 Saturday, 23 November 2013

Amidst calls by the British government for action to probe the murder of a British national in Sri Lanka in 2011, the Mahinda Rajapaksa government has taken steps to ensure the release of former Chairman of the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), Sampath Chandrapushpa Vidanapathirana and six others accused in the murder case.

Vidanapathirana, who is a loyalist of MP Namal Rajapaksa, and five other were accused of murdering British national Khuram Shaikh and gang raping his companion, Victoria Alexandra in Tangalle in December 2011.

Charges against the defendants were read to them at the Colombo High Court and they had entered pleas of not guilty to all the charges.

Colombo Chief High Court Judge Kumudini Wickramasinghe had granted bail to the six suspects on a request made by President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, who is appearing for the accused.

The suspects were ordered to surrender their passports and appear before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) every last Sunday of the month.

The case is to be taken up for trial on December 2nd.