Warsha Hannadige Sisira Fernando vs Hon. Attorney General – CA 107/2010-2012

In the case between Warsha Hannadige Sisira Fernando (appellant) and the Hon. Attorney General (respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether sentences imposed by the High Court should run concurrently or consecutively, especially following the appellant’s abandonment of the appeal against conviction. It was held that the sentences should continue to run consecutively, but with the sentences backdated to reflect time already spent in remand. The principle reaffirmed is that concurrent sentencing is not automatic and must be dictated by the circumstances, particularly considering the trauma caused to the victim and the penalty already considered at trial. Reliance was placed on the court’s discretionary power in sentencing under relevant penal procedures. The key impact is the affir