Mohammed Shiyam's father withdrew a controversial statement made yesterday following the conclusion of the trial on his son's murder.

He spoke to the media and claimed that former DIG Vass Gunawardena had no role in the murder.

However, he has withdrawn this statement today.

Vass Gunawardena and five others were sentenced to death yesterday over the murder of Shiyam in 2013 by Colombo High Court trial-at-bar. They are expected to appeal.