Matalge Randil Madushanka Dias vs. Officer-in-Charge, Police Narcotics Bureau, Colombo-01 – CA BAIL 39/2022-2023

In the case between Boyagodage Nishani (petitioner, with her husband in support) and Matalge Randil Madushanka Dias (respondent/suspect), the court addressed the issue of whether exceptional circumstances warranted the granting of bail to a suspect charged with serious drug-related offenses under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. It was held that prolonged remand exceeding one year and five months, significant delays in filing charges, and credible allegations of police misconduct are cumulatively sufficient to constitute exceptional circumstances justifying bail. The principle reaffirmed is that the seriousness of the charged offense alone does not preclude bail if compelling exceptional circumstances are demonstrated. This decision relied on interpretation of the Poisons,