Sri Lankan national regarding the 2018 resort murder case released

The Criminal Court has released a Sri Lankan national accused of fatally stabbing a compatriot at a Maldives resort in 2018, citing insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

Janaka Prasanna Perera was charged with intentional homicide involving a sharp object following the death of a Sri Lankan chef at Eh’laidhu Resort six years ago. Although he initially confessed to the stabbing during a remand hearing, he later pleaded not guilty, claiming the act was committed in self-defence.

The court noted that Perera’s confession was made without legal counsel and without being informed of its legal consequences. The judgment stated that such a statement, taken under these conditions, could not be treated as admissible evidence.

The prosecution was unable to present witness testimony, as key witnesses had returned to Sri Lanka and could not be located despite efforts by authorities, including support from Interpol. The court ruled that without corroborating evidence or witness statements, a conviction could not be secured.