Pattiwilage Vincent Fernando vs Hon. The Attorney General – CA NO.69/2011-2014

In the case between Hon. The Attorney General (Respondent) and Pattiwilage Vincent Fernando (Kapu Mahathmaya) (Accused-Appellant), the court addressed the issue of sentencing in a conviction for rape of a girl under 16 and sexual harassment. It was held that there was no basis to interfere with the conviction, but the sentences for rape and sexual harassment should run concurrently rather than consecutively. The principle reaffirmed was that, while maintaining the seriousness of the offenses and upholding the imposed punishments, concurrent sentencing is appropriate in the interest of justice when offenses are linked by a single transaction. This decision relied on the facts of the case, sentencing standards, and the appropriate application of judicial discretion, with the court emphasizin