In a surprising twist, the father of slain businessman Mohamed Siyam says that his son was not murdered by former DIG of Police Vass Gunawardena, who was sentenced to death after being found guilty over the killing. 

The former DIG, his son Ravindra Gunawardena and four other police officers were sentenced to death by the by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar, after being found guilty for the abduction and murder of Siyam. 

Siyam, a father of three involved in the footwear business, had gone missing after dining with a friend named as M Fouzdeen in a Colombo suburb.

His body was found with gunshot wounds in the Dompe area on May 22, 2013. 

Following investigations, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Mr Gunawardena on charges including murder for financial gain and conspiracy to kill.

However, according to the victim’s father, the former high-raking police officer was not responsible for the killing.   

“This was all done by that Fouzdeen and Krishantha. I have no suspicion regarding Vass Gunawardena,” Siyam’s father told reporters outside the court after the verdict was delivered today. 

He also said that he is willing to testify on behalf of Gunawardena if they decide to appeal the decision. 

“If Vass Gunawardena appeals this, I will come and give evidence. Vass Gunawardena didn’t do anything to my son,” he said. “I told them to appeal the decision and that I will give a testimony.”