Rajapakse v. The State – sllr 2001 volume 2 page 161

In the case between Rajapakse (Accused/Appellant) and The State, the court considered the legality of conducting a trial in absentia under the Criminal Procedure Code, the timeliness of the appeal following the trial judgment, and the propriety of invoking revisionary powers in light of the accused’s actions. It was held that the trial had been properly conducted despite the absence of the accused, the appeal was not filed within the prescribed period, and no sufficient grounds existed to exercise revisionary jurisdiction. Specific direction was issued regarding the sentencing, striking off the portion related to the consecutive running of sentences due to the absence of legal authority. The principles reaffirmed include adherence to statutory procedures for trials in absentia, strict comp