Sri Lanka, Feb. 18 -- Balapitiya High Court Judge Ruchira Weliwatta ordered the death penalty yesterday (17) for two individuals accused of shooting a relative following a private dispute.

The defendants receiving the sentence are I. Asantha, also known as 'John Kolla,' and N.W.G. Indrasiri Jinapala, both residents of Hagaranwatta, Mitiyagoda.

While delivering the verdict, the judge noted that evidence confirmed the first defendant used a shotgun to shoot the victim in the head from a distance of about 5 to 6 meters.

It was emphasized in court that the death resulted from severe brain damage caused by ammunition penetrating the skull.

The judge stated the prosecution successfully proved the charges against the defendants beyond reaso...