Hatangalage Ariyasena vs The Attorney General – CA 68/2011-2013

In the case between Hatangalage Ariyasena (Accused-Appellant) and the Attorney General (Respondent), the court addressed the issues of whether the conviction for murder and mischief was proper and supported by reliable evidence. It was held that the conviction for murder could be sustained based on reliable voice identification and the rejection of the appellant’s alibi, affirming the principle that substantive identification evidence from a familiar witness can be sufficient for conviction in appropriate circumstances. Reliance was placed on precedents, including Kirpal Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, stressing that familiarity with the accused and corroborative testimony can establish identity beyond reasonable doubt. The decision confirmed that deficiencies in alibi evidence and absenc