Henda Hewage Anura Ishantha vs. Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC 133/20-2023

In the case between The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Plaintiff/Respondent) and Henda Hewage Anura Ishantha (Defendant/Appellant), the court addressed the issue of whether the conviction for murder was supported by reliable and sufficient evidence, particularly concerning dying declarations, conflicting witness testimony, and the interpretation of medical evidence as to cause of death. It was held that the conviction was unsafe due to deficiencies in evaluating the evidence and procedural shortcomings impacting the fairness of the trial. The principle reaffirmed is that, where substantial doubts exist regarding the credibility of the primary evidence and trial fairness is compromised, a conviction cannot be sustained. The decision referenced the requirements for reliable evid