Karangoda Gamaralalage Indika Sampath Abeythissa vs Attorney General – CA/HCC/138-22-2025

In the case between Karangoda Gamaralalage Indika Sampath Abeythissa (Accused-Appellant) and the Attorney General (Respondent), the court addressed the issue of the proper application of sentencing principles in a rape conviction under Section 364(2)(e) of the Penal Code. The court held that the trial court had inadequately considered mitigating and aggravating factors, resulting in a misapplication of the statutory sentencing starting point. It was established that judicial discretion requires a careful balance of mitigating circumstances such as the youth, marital status, role as sole breadwinner, and absence of prior convictions of the accused. Relevant sentencing guidelines and precedents were relied upon, underscoring the obligation to adjust the sentence according to the specific cir