Chandrasiri Paranawitharana v. The Hon Attorney General – CA BAL 56/2022-2022

In the case between Chandrasiri Paranawitharana (Petitioner) and the Hon. Attorney General, Attorney General’s Department, and Officer in Charge at Habaraduwa Police Station (Respondents), the court examined the alleged misuse of the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act to prolong the remand of a suspect. The issue focused on whether the Act was incorrectly relied upon to deny bail by invoking “exceptional circumstances,” particularly addressing concerns of personal grievances influencing the process. Emphasis was placed on analyzing the evidentiary basis for remand, the consideration of the suspect’s educational circumstances, and the need to prevent abuse of protective legal provisions. Reference was made to the precedent in Ramu Thamodarum Pillai and releva