L.H.M. Chandana Dayan Bandara Bamunukotuwa v. Hon. Attorney General – CA NO. 205/10-2015

In the case between the State (Hon. Attorney General) and L.H.M. Chandana Dayan Bandara, the court addressed whether the sentence imposed by the High Court, specifically the omission of a fine under Section 297 of the Penal Code, was proper. It was held that, while the suspension of imprisonment and imposition of compensation were within the High Court’s discretion, the failure to impose a fine contravened statutory requirements. The principle reaffirmed is that statutory sentences must be observed, particularly the mandatory imposition of fines under the Penal Code when stipulated. The decision was grounded in the Penal Code and relevant sentencing provisions, underscoring the necessity of judicial adherence to statutory sentencing requirements.

Anil Gooneratne J. — The facts and circum