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SL minister refutes rape testimony of murdered Brit's partner

Sri Lanka's Chief Government Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, told Parliament on Wednesday that the partner of the murdered British citizen, Khuram Shaikh, was not subjected to any rape or sexual violence. 

Gunawardena said that she 'had only received serious injuries as a result of being assaulted', reported Ceylon Today.

However, earlier this year, Shaikh's partner Victoria Alexandravona, speaking in an interview said,


“You try not to think that could have happened but it’s disgusting because they killed Khuram and sexually assaulted me”.


When Gunawardena was challenged, by highlighting the fact that her testimony contradicted his remarks, Gunawardena replied:


“I am presenting the answer given to me by the Ministry of Defence, based on the police records submitted to them. If you have more details or evidence on the matter, present it to the Court as there is case pending.”


Asked whether she was still alive, Gunawardena assured that she was.

See related articles:

Sri Lanka rape victim will ‘go on to the end’ for justice
(21 Apr 2013)

UK MP pledges to canvas Queen for CHOGM boycott (08 Mar 2013)

British murder victim's brother disheartened (30 Dec 2012)

Khuram Shaikh’s family distressed as death anniversary looms (23 Dec 2012)

British MP fears SL government covering up tourist murder (19 Dec 2012)

Politician accused of murder reinstated in post (14 Aug 2012)

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