Officer-in-Charge, Criminal Investigation Division, Sri Lanka Police v. R.M. Chandrasena – CA 179/2016-2016

In the case between Officer-in-Charge, Criminal Investigation Division, Sri Lanka Police, Kodikamam (Complainant) and R.M. Chandrasena (Accused-Appellant), with the Attorney General as Respondent in Appeal, the court addressed the appropriateness of the sentence imposed following a conviction for culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 297 of the Penal Code. It was held that the sentence of 8 years’ rigorous imprisonment was excessive and a reduction to 6 years’ rigorous imprisonment was warranted, while all other conditions of sentence remained unchanged. The core principle reaffirmed was that sentencing must be proportionate to the offence, taking into account both the facts of the case and submissions on appeal. Reliance was placed on Section 297 of the Penal Code and pr