Hewa Konamalage Champika alias Wasthu Vs. Attorney General – H.C.E.30/2011-2012

In the case between Attorney General and Hewa Konamalage Champika alias Wasthu, the court examined whether the conviction and death sentence for the accused, arising from the alleged murder of Sanjeewa Kumarasena, was justified under Section 296 of the Penal Code based solely on circumstantial evidence. The appellate court determined that the evidence presented, including recovery of items following the accused’s statements and the reasoning provided for his departure from the hotel, did not sufficiently establish an irresistible inference of guilt. It was concluded that a reasonable alternative explanation was available and the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. The conviction and sentence were therefore set aside, reaffirming the principle that in criminal case