D.V.A. Rasika Priyadarshanie v. The Hon. Attorney General – CA APPEAL NO. 203/2008-2011

In the case between D.V.A. Rasika Priyadarshanie (Accused-Appellant) and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondent), the court considered the validity of the conviction and life sentence for possession of 12.7 grams of heroin. The principal issue was whether the accused-appellant’s dock statement and supporting evidence created reasonable doubt regarding the prosecution’s case. The findings established that admissions made by the main investigating officer corroborated the accused-appellant’s version that she was arrested at home, not while carrying heroin as alleged by the prosecution. It was held that the evidence introduced reasonable doubt and, in line with established legal principles, this doubt entitled the accused-appellant to acquittal. The decision was grounded in the requirement tha