Kottabadhuge Kasun Madhushanka vs. Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC/0097/19-2024

In the case between Hon. Attorney-General (representing the State of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka) and Kottabadhuge Kasun Madhushanka, the court addressed the issue of whether discrepancies and inconsistencies in witness testimony and evidentiary inadequacies could support a conviction for trafficking and possessing heroin beyond reasonable doubt. The conviction imposed by the High Court was critically examined, particularly regarding the reliability of prosecution evidence and the appropriate consideration of the accused’s dock statement. The appellate court held that the conviction and sentence should be set aside and the accused-appellant acquitted, reaffirming that criminal convictions require proof beyond reasonable doubt and that material contradictions or inadequat