State v. Andi Budugae Derik Niroshan Fernando – CA NO.21/12-2015

In the case between the Attorney General, Attorney General’s Department, Colombo 12 (Party A) and Andi Budugae Derik Niroshan Fernando, Paththayama, Madurankuliya (Party B), the court addressed the sufficiency and reliability of evidence required to sustain a conviction for the alleged rape of a minor under sixteen years, specifically examining whether the uncorroborated testimony of the victim was adequate. It was held that inconsistencies between the victim’s testimony and the medical evidence, as well as the absence of corroborative support, rendered the conviction unsafe. The appellate decision set aside the conviction and sentence, reaffirming the principle that convictions for grave offences require cogent, corroborated evidence, especially where the sole testimony is inconsistent or