Wellawatte Arachchige Kalyanasiri vs Hon. Attorney General – CA/HCC/48/2021-2024

In the case between the Hon. Attorney General and Attorney General’s Department, Colombo 12 (Complainant/Respondent) and Wellawatte Arachchige Kalyanasiri and Wellawatte Arachchige Vipula Ajith Kumara (Accused/Appellants), the court addressed whether the trial court erred by relying on evidence containing significant omissions and contradictions, particularly that of the central prosecution witness, and whether the sales agreement and alleged involvement in forgery and impersonation were established beyond reasonable doubt. The holding determined that the prosecution failed to discharge the burden of proof, noting substantial weaknesses in testimonial and documentary evidence. As a result, both appellants were acquitted. The decision reaffirmed the principle that criminal convictions must