Warnakulasuriya Michael Angelo Fernando vs. The Officer-in-Charge, Fraud Bureau –Unit 06 – SC APPEAL NO. 85/2014-2014

In the case between the Officer-in-Charge, Fraud Bureau (and associated government entities) and Warnakulasuriya Michael Angelo Fernando (‘Eastern Spray’), the court addressed the issue of alleged misappropriation and criminal breach of trust concerning Rs. 600,000 in connection with the purchase of embarkation tax tickets. It was held that the evidence established guilt beyond reasonable doubt, confirming the sufficiency of documentation and the existence of entrustment of funds to the Accused-Appellant. This decision reaffirmed the principle that convictions for criminal breach of trust must be supported by clear evidence of entrustment and misappropriation, as anchored in the Penal Code and relevant evidentiary standards. The appellate court further emphasized the importance of rigorous