Mahabalage Don Sachini Dilanjika vs Officer-in-Charge Police Narcotics Bureau – CA BAIL/0109/22-2023

In the case between Mahabalage Don Sachini Dilanjika (2nd Suspect-Petitioner) and the Officer-in-Charge, Police Narcotics Bureau, Colombo-01, along with the Attorney General’s Department, Colombo-12 (Respondents), the issue addressed was whether bail should be granted under Section 83(2) of the amended Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act on the ground of “exceptional circumstances.” It was held that the petitioner’s extended period of remand, family responsibilities, and insufficient evidence to establish the charge of abetment collectively amounted to exceptional circumstances justifying bail. The principle reaffirmed was that bail should not serve as punishment and the presumption of innocence must be preserved. Reliance was placed on statutory provisions and relevant case law, establ