The Royal Park murder case shocked Sri Lanka. It remains a story of brutality, a long fight for justice, and a highly debated presidential pardon. Nineteen-year-old Yvonne Jonsson was brutally killed in 2005. This sparked a legal saga spanning nearly two decades. This article explores the tragic events, the court battles, and the recent historic decision overturning a controversial pardon.
A Horrific Discovery at Royal Park (2005)
Tragedy struck on July 1st, 2005. A housemaid found Yvonne Jonsson’s body in a stairwell at the Royal Park Condominium. She lay in a pool of blood on the 19th-floor landing. The scene was grim. The apartment manager noted her jeans were pulled down and wrapped around her neck.
Yvonne was a Swedish-Sri Lankan fashion student. She had recently returned from the US. The night before, she socialised with her sister, Caroline, and Jude Shramantha Anthony Jayamaha. Jayamaha was dating Caroline. Yvonne disapproved of their relationship.
The attack happened after Yvonne returned home around 2:50 am. Jayamaha forced her into the staircase after she exited the 23rd-floor elevator. A struggle occurred. Yvonne dropped clothing items. Jayamaha then repeatedly bashed her head against a step edge. He dragged her down four flights of stairs. The autopsy revealed asphyxiation as the cause of death. Her own trousers were used as a ligature.
Timeline of Events
- July 1, 2005: Yvonne Jonsson murdered at Royal Park.
- July 2, 2005: Jude Jayamaha arrested.
- July 28, 2006: High Court convicts Jayamaha of culpable homicide (12 years).
- July 11, 2012: Court of Appeal overturns verdict, convicts of murder (death sentence).
- 2014: Supreme Court upholds death sentence.
- Nov 9, 2019: President Sirisena grants pardon; Jayamaha released.
- June 6, 2024: Supreme Court declares pardon unconstitutional, orders arrest/extradition.
Crucial Evidence Pointed to Jayamaha
Forensic evidence linked Jayamaha to the crime. Investigators found a partial palm print in blood on the banister. It matched Jayamaha’s print. Jayamaha later admitted bathing in the complex’s pool. He did this to wash away evidence after the murder. Police arrested Jayamaha on July 2nd. He was at the Jonsson’s condominium with the grieving family at the time.
Years of Legal Battles
The court proceedings took years. The verdicts shifted significantly.
- High Court Trial (2006): The Colombo High Court indicted Jayamaha for murder. However, the court found him guilty of a lesser charge: culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He received a 12-year prison sentence and a fine.
- Appeal Court Reverses Verdict (2012): The Attorney General appealed the decision. The Court of Appeal reviewed the case. It found Jayamaha guilty of murder. The court sentenced him to death. Judges noted his actions after the murder, like swimming and disposing of clothes, showed calculation, not extreme intoxication.
- Supreme Court Confirms Sentence (2014): Jayamaha appealed again to the Supreme Court. In 2014, the highest court upheld the death sentence.
Controversy Erupts: The Presidential Pardon (2019)
In November 2019, a shocking development occurred. Then-President Maithripala Sirisena granted Jayamaha a presidential pardon. This happened during Sirisena’s final week in office. Jayamaha walked free from prison after serving over 14 years.
President Sirisena cited appeals from religious leaders, including prominent Buddhist monks. He also mentioned support from former judges and lawyers. Sirisena called the murder an “incident of impatience.” He highlighted Jayamaha’s good behaviour and education earned in prison (BSc and MSc degrees). Reports suggest Venerable Athuraliye Rathana Thero was key in arranging the pardon.
The pardon sparked immediate outrage. The public, politicians, and Yvonne’s family condemned the decision.
- Family’s Anguish: Yvonne’s sister, Caroline, expressed deep heartbreak. She stated Jayamaha never showed remorse. She described the murder’s brutality, including 64 skull fractures, refuting the “impatience” claim.
- Political Backlash: Presidential candidates called the pardon illegal and unjust. They pledged to overturn it.
- Public Outcry: Sri Lankans heavily criticized the pardon on social media.
Key Figures Involved
- Victim: Yvonne Jonsson
- Perpetrator: Jude Shramantha Jayamaha
- President (Pardon): Maithripala Sirisena
- System: Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
Jayamaha’s Plea
Shortly after release, Jayamaha issued an open letter. He expressed grief towards the Jonsson family. He claimed he never intended harm and felt shame. He cited a difficult upbringing. Jayamaha detailed his prison studies. He argued his release followed a review process showing he was fit for society. He asked for forgiveness and a second chance.
A Landmark Ruling: Pardon Overturned (2024)
The fight for justice continued. A legal challenge against the pardon reached the Supreme Court. On June 6th, 2024, the court delivered a historic ruling. It declared the presidential pardon unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court found former President Sirisena deliberately violated the constitution. It ruled he breached the public trust doctrine. The court invalidated the pardon. It ordered the Attorney General to enforce the original death sentence against Jayamaha.
The court also ordered Mr. Sirisena to pay compensation: Rs. 1 million to the petitioner and Rs. 1 million each to Yvonne’s parents. Critically, the court ordered extradition proceedings. Jayamaha reportedly fled Sri Lanka after his 2019 release. He is believed to be hiding in Singapore.
The Unfolding Aftermath
Jude Shramantha Jayamaha is now legally considered a convicted murderer under a death sentence. However, he remains at large. Sri Lankan authorities are working to extradite him from Singapore.
The Royal Park murder case raises vital questions. It forces reflection on the justice system, the power of presidential pardons, and victims’ rights. The Supreme Court’s bold move to nullify a pardon underscores constitutional limits and public trust. This case highlights the enduring trauma for victims’ families and the long, complex path to justice. The pursuit of Jayamaha shows this tragic story is far from over.
