The State vs Weledurayalage Gedera Gayan Asanka Premadase – CA : 118/2009-2009

In the case between The Hon. Attorney General and Weledurayalage Gedera Gayan Asanka Premadase, the court addressed whether the sentence imposed by the High Court of Kandy for grave sexual abuse of a 12-year-old minor was manifestly inadequate and contrary to the statutory minimum required under Section 365(2)(b) of the Penal Code. The court determined that the original suspended sentence of two years rigorous imprisonment was not in compliance with the mandatory minimum sentence, and enhanced it to seven years rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine and compensation order. The principle reaffirmed is that sentences in cases of grave sexual abuse must comply with statutory minimum requirements and reflect both the gravity of the offense and the need for deterrence. The decision drew on es