Damballage Buddhika Wimalarathna vs The Attorney General – CA HCC/0084/21-2023

In the case between Damballage Buddhika Wimalarathna (accused-appellant) and the Attorney General (respondent), the Court of Appeal addressed the issue of whether the conviction and sentence for rape, imposed by the High Court of Chilaw, were supported by the evidence and in accordance with law. The Court held that the original conviction and sentence must be upheld, finding that the trial court had properly evaluated the credibility of the prosecutrix’s testimony, the appellant’s contention regarding consent, and the handling of conflicting evidence—including the absence of physical injuries and the appellant’s escape from custody. It was determined that the grounds of appeal, including allegations of unfair judicial conduct and improper evidentiary treatment, did not undermine the validi