Colombo High Court trial-at-bar presiding over the Bharatha Lakshman murder trial severely warned former MP Duminda Silva today for leaving the court premises without permission during the trial.

The court observed Silva leaving the court when the third defendant Ravindra Jayanath alias Dematagoda Chaminda was testifying.

When inquired, Silva said that he went outside to drink some water. The judges observed that such a request would have been entertained by the court if it was informed and severely warned Silva.

The trial-at-bar comprises of High Court Judges Shiran Ranasinghe, Padmini N Ranawake and MCBS Moraes. Thirteen defendants including Silva stand accused in the trial.