Wasantha Basnayake et al. vs. Attorney General – SC SPL/LA 290/2008-2019

In the case between Arthur Patrick St’ John Jackson, Thangeshwary Sundaramoorthy, and multiple accused-appellants versus the Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of whether the sentences imposed for conspiracy to commit Criminal Breach of Trust and related abetment charges were excessive in light of prolonged judicial delay, compensatory actions, and settlement negotiations undertaken by the accused. It was held that, although the procedural delay and mitigation efforts (such as compensation deposits) were significant, these factors did not warrant a reduction or annulment of the sentences. Instead, a variation was ordered, requiring the sentences to run concurrently with the custodial terms suspended for a specific period. This approach reaffirmed the principle that sentencing