Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Ariyadasa vs The Hon. Attorney General – CA APPEAL NO.219/2007-2013

In the case between Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Ariyadasa (Accused-Appellant) and The Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of the conviction, sentence, and adequacy of compensation for grave sexual abuse against a minor under 16 years of age. It was determined that the sentence of 12 years’ rigorous imprisonment was appropriate and that the originally ordered compensation was inadequate for the offense committed. The compensation was increased to Rs.100,000, with a default sentence of two years, while the sentence was to run from the date of conviction. The appeal was dismissed. The principles underpinning just sentencing in cases involving grave sexual abuse of minors were emphasized, applying relevant statutory guidelines and jurisprudence to ensure adequate compensation fo