05 March 2005	Saturday	23 Muharram 1426

COLOMBO, March 4: Naththandige Mary Monica Fernando, wife of the minister of Christian and parliamentary affairs, Milroy Fernando, was awarded death sentence on Wednesday for committing murder.

Three others, accused of aiding her, were also given the death penalty. The Colombo High Court found her guilty of murdering a woman, Charlotte Theresa Fernando, said to be her husband's mistress. She was also accused of murdering the woman's domestic aide Susanhewage Tecklin Seelawathie.

The sentence was passed by a seven-member jury who returned a six to one verdict of guilty after a four hour deliberation. The offences were committed in July 1, 1991 and January 3, 1992. Thirteen prosecution witnesses gave evidence during the trial which lasted for 25 days.