Udaya Kumara alias Podi Paul, an underworld figure, was sentenced to death by Galle High Court Judge Manjula Thilakarathne.

He was sentenced for a murder committed in October, 2001. 

It was proven beyond reasonable doubt before the Galle High Court that the accused had committed the murder by shooting. 

Although three other suspects were prosecuted in connection with the same murder, they were released as there was no sufficient evidence against them. 

The underworld member is also facing several court cases over illegal possession of weapons and attempted murders.