Herath Mudiyanselage Wimalarathne v. Hon. Attorney General – CA NO. 198/2010-2010

In the case between Herath Mudiyanselage Wimalarathne (Accused-Appellant) and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondent), the court addressed the issue of sentencing following a conviction related to the electrocution death of a 3½-year-old child. The court held that, while the act resulting in the child’s death was rash and unjustifiable, the circumstances and lack of homicidal intent warranted a mitigated sentence. The principle reaffirmed is that sentences must reflect both the seriousness of the offense and mitigating factors such as intention and context. This decision relied upon the evidentiary record and established sentencing principles, emphasizing that custodial sentences may be suspended in exceptional circumstances, and compensation can be prioritized over punitive fines where war