Vithanage Pelpiti Koralage vs. Officer-in-Charge, Police Narcotics Bureau and The Attorney General – CA PHC APN/0073/2022-2023

In the case between Mahesh Chaminda Wimalasiri (Petitioner) and the Officer-in-Charge, Police Narcotics Bureau, and Attorney General (Respondents), the court addressed whether bail should be granted under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance when large quantities of heroin are involved. The court determined that the Petitioner failed to establish “exceptional circumstances” warranting a departure from the stringent bail restrictions imposed by the relevant statute. Emphasis was placed on the magnitude of the detected narcotics (over 31 kg of heroin), the associated risk of absconding, and the legislative intent to restrict bail in such cases. The decision referenced established case law and statutory provisions, underscoring that prolonged remand or allegations of rights violat