Prosecution appeals acquittal in Sri Lankan chef murder case

An appeal has been filed at the High Court against the acquittal of a Sri Lankan national accused of murdering another Sri Lankan chef at a Maldivian resort.

The accused, Janaka Prasanna Perera, was charged with intentional homicide using a sharp object in connection with the 2019 stabbing death of a Sri Lankan chef at Ellaidhoo Resort.

The Criminal Court acquitted Janaka in July, citing a lack of available witness testimony. The court noted that key witnesses had left the Maldives, and their statements could not be obtained.

The ruling also stated that Janaka’s own statements during his remand hearing could not be used as evidence, as they were made without legal counsel and without being informed of the consequences of a confession.

The Prosecution appealed the verdict on Monday, although the High Court has yet to decide whether to accept the case.

Authorities had previously sought Interpol assistance to trace witnesses who left abroad, but their testimonies were never collected.