Galhenage Mangalika Priyanthi vs Hon. Attorney General et al. – BAL/245/2023-2023

In the case between Galhenage Mangalika Priyanthi (petitioner, mother of the 1st suspect) and the Hon. Attorney General, Officer in Charge of Crime Division (respondents), the court addressed whether exceptional circumstances under Section 83(2) of the Poisons, Opium, and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (as amended) warranted bail for the 1st suspect who was held in remand for over two years. It was held that where the offense involves commercial quantities of drugs and attracts severe penalties, the statutory provisions permit continued custody until the conclusion of trial, unless compelling exceptional circumstances are established. Reference was made to relevant statutes and previous judicial interpretations, emphasizing the strict statutory approach to bail in such narcotics cases. The cent