Priyarathne and Others vs. Attorney General – sllr 2021 volume 3 page 449

In the case between Priyaratne and Others (accused-appellants) and the Attorney General (the State), the court addressed whether the High Court trial, especially the handling of evidence, dock statements, and common intention, adhered to the accused’s rights to a fair trial. It was held that the appellants’ conviction for murder stood, as the evaluation of witness testimony, rejection of dock statements, and findings on common intention were found legally justified. The principle reaffirmed was that when a defendant absconds, or is inadequately represented due to his own conduct, such conduct may constitute a waiver of certain fair trial rights, provided the overall evidence sustains the verdict. Reliance was placed on constitutional guarantees for fair trials, section 32 of the Penal Code