Demuni Sudath Ashoka De Zoysa vs The Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC 0101/2022-2025

In the matter of the Attorney General v. Demuni Sudath Ashoka De Zoysa. The case concerned the conviction and sentencing of the Appellant for attempted murder, with specific focus on the admissibility of incomplete non-summary deposition under Section 33 of the Evidence Ordinance. The High Court admitted the incomplete deposition of a key witness (PW1), who disappeared before completing testimony, to convict the Appellant. The Appellant’s appeal argued for improper evaluation of evidence and the use of incomplete testimony. The Additional Solicitor General conceded that the adoption of PW1’s evidence was erroneous. The Court of Appeal ultimately set aside the conviction and sentence.

P. Kumararatnam, J. – Detailed the indictment, trial, conviction and sentencing of the Appellant. Focuse