Asela Saminda Galoluwage vs Attorney General – CASE NO. 218/11-2013

In the case between the Attorney General and Asela Saminda Galoluwage, the court addressed whether the sentence imposed for a conviction of grave sexual abuse was excessive in the circumstances. It was determined that, although the conviction remained uncontested, the original sentence—seven years’ rigorous imprisonment, fine, and compensation—was disproportionate given the victim’s admission of engaging in prostitution. The court exercised discretion, guided by Supreme Court precedent (SC No. 3/2008), to set aside the original sentence and substitute it with a suspended sentence. The judgment underscored that appellate courts may revise sentences deemed excessive or inappropriate in light of mitigating circumstances and statutory principles, reaffirming the consideration of individual fac