Kumarapeli Arach chige Gamini Alias Police Gamini vs. The Attorney General – CA HCC/118/2019-2021

In the case between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (represented by the Attorney General) and Kumarapeli Arachchige Gamini Alias Police Gamini, the appellate court considered whether the sentence of 18 years’ rigorous imprisonment imposed by the High Court, following conviction for culpable homicide not amounting to murder under section 297 of the Penal Code, was excessive in light of mitigating and aggravating factors. The conviction under section 297 was uncontested on appeal; the matter proceeded solely on sentencing. It was determined that, although the gravity of the offense warranted substantial punishment given the circumstances—including the vulnerable condition of the deceased and the public interest—mitigating factors such as the appellant’s disabilities, injuries,