Eliston Wadugodapitiya gets life imprisonment for murder |21 October 2023

Eliston Wadugodapitiya, 33, was yesterday sentenced to a term of life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Romentha Wadugodapitiya.

It was at 3.30am yesterday (Friday October 20) that Justice Brassel Adeline delivered a unanimous guilty verdict from the nine-member jury.

In a case that shocked the nation, Wadugodapitiya, stabbed his wife multiple times on the morning of June 21, 2022 in Mont Buxton, causing her death.

He was arrested by the police the following day on June 22, 2022.

On July 19, 2022, Eliston Wadugodapitiya was formally charged in the Supreme Court and chose his right to silence. The prosecution was led by two Counsels Ketlynn Marie and Corinne Rose and throughout the legal proceedings, Eliston Wadugodapitiya was represented by Counsel Daniel Cesar.

Altogether the court heard from 23 witnesses and viewed 67 pieces of exhibits.

The final day of the Republic Vs. Eliston Wadugodapitiya trial began at 9:15am on Thursday, October 19, with Judge Adeline providing a summary of the case, including an overview of the facts, charges, and legal issues at hand.

Judge Adeline took the opportunity to underscore the vital role played by the Jury in the case. The nine members of the Jury were reminded of their immense responsibility in this criminal trial – to act as the fact-finder and impartial arbiter of justice.

To recall Romentha Wadugodapitiya was discovered suffering from multiple stab wounds that would eventually claim her life. The video of the victim asking for help unfortunately made it online and shocked the whole population.

Vidya Gappy