Former MP Duminda Silva, who stands accused in the Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra murder trial, declared his innocence for all 17 charges in his statement from the dock earlier today.

Silva made this declaration before the Colombo High Court trial at bar composed of High Court Judge Shiran Gunaratne, High Court Judge Padmini Ranawaka Gunathilaka and High Court Judge M.C.B.S. Moraes

Silva expressed belief that he will be acquitted and released from the case.

He is one of the thirteen accused in the case involving the murder of four people including Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra on October 8, 2011.