Udageiyalage Sarath Kumar vs Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC 184/20-2025

In the matter of Udageiyalage Sarath Kumar (Accused-Appellant) vs. Hon. Attorney General (Complainant-Respondent), the court addressed the proportionality and excessiveness of the sentence for rape of a minor under section 364(2)(e) of the Penal Code. The appellant was convicted and sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment, a fine, and compensation. Mitigating factors were presented, including the appellant’s age, lack of prior convictions, and no external injuries on the victim. The court considered the gravity of the offense, public interest, and sentencing precedents. The rigorous imprisonment term was reduced to 15 years, while the fine and compensation orders were upheld. This decision reaffirms the principle that sentencing must balance the offender’s circumstances with the seriou