The snakes may slither in shadows, but justice never sleeps the innocent will rise, and the guilty will face their day. Sin walks in silence, but justice thunders loud. They thought they’d escape in the dark, but justice has a torch.
In Sri Lanka, the death penalty remains legally sanctioned for serious offenses such as murder and large-scale drug trafficking. While executions have not been carried out in recent years, courts continue to issue death sentences under the existing legal framework. One of the most harrowing cases in recent memory occurred on September 11, 2015, in the town of Kotadeniyawa. The nation was shaken by the tragic disappearance and murder of five-year-old Seya Sadewmi. Taken from her home while sleeping next to her mother, Seya’s lifeless body was discovered the following morning, naked and strangled, just 200 meters from her house. An autopsy later confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted before being murdered—an act of unspeakable cruelty that ignited widespread public outrage and a fervent demand for justice.
In March 2016, the Negombo High Court sentenced Ilandari Pedige Saman Jayalath to death for the heinous crimes of abduction, sexual abuse, rape, and murder of the young child. The case progressed swiftly due to a combination of compelling forensic evidence and diligent investigative work. On March 15, 2016, High Court Judge Champa Janaki Rajaratne found Jayalath guilty on all four charges. He was sentenced to death for the murder and received an additional 60 years of imprisonment for the other crimes.
In Sri Lanka, the process of issuing a death sentence is guided by a structured legal protocol. While some cultures observe symbolic gestures—such as breaking a pen or dimming courtroom lights—to signify the gravity of the verdict, there is no record of such rituals taking place during Jayalath’s sentencing. Regardless of these ceremonial elements, the significance of a death sentence lies not in symbolism, but in the seriousness of the judicial outcome.
This case underscores the vital role of a justice system that does more than simply punish—it must also deter. When justice is administered swiftly and consistently, it sends a clear and powerful message: those who commit heinous crimes, particularly against the most vulnerable members of society, will face the full force of the law. The deterrent effect is crucial in maintaining moral order and public safety. Although some judges around the world may choose to incorporate rituals into their sentencing, the absence of such traditions does not diminish the impact or importance of the verdict. What truly matters is the unwavering commitment to uphold justice and protect the innocent. The murder of Seya Sadewmi stands as a haunting reminder of the dual responsibility of our legal system—to punish wrongdoers and prevent future crimes. By holding perpetrators accountable, society honors the memory of victims and reaffirms its collective promise to safeguard the innocent.
Ultimately, justice must be more than an ideal; it must be a reality we live by. There can be no room for mercy when it comes to those who inflict suffering on the defenseless. A strong justice system, grounded in fairness and firm resolve, ensures that fear deters the wicked and safety protects the good.
