Representing the family of late Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra in court Tuesday, Attorney-at-Law Upul Kariyapperuma said that the only reason for the dragging on of the case pertaining to the killing of four people including Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra is political influence.

Kumarapperuma made this statement when the suspects in the incident were produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Prasanna Alwis on Tuesday.

Kumarapperuma told court that political influence was being exerted due to the involvement of MP Duminda Silva who is one of the chief suspects in the case.

Representing Duminda Silva in Court, President's Counsel Hemantha Warnakulasuriya said that slain Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra was also a politician.

However, Kumarapperuma argued that political interference in the case increased as the result of the involvement of Duminda Silva and not as a result of slain Premachandra.

Responding to this, Warnakulasauriya stated that Silva was shot at first in the incident.
At this point Kumarapperuma questioned the basis on which such a statement can be made when the evidence in the case is yet to be presented.
Representing the suspect R. Gamini in Court Tuesday, Attorney-at-Law Jagath Abeyratne sought bail for the suspect stating that he was in a helpless situation and faced the prospect of losing his job.
In the meantime, Hirunika Premachandra is reported to have said that  she will "struggle to continue till justice is met."