Liyana Mendis Keerthi Sudarman Harisachandra vs The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – CA 108/2005-2013

In the case between Liyana Mendis Keerthi Sudarman Harisachandra (Accused-Appellant) and The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Complainant-Respondent), the court addressed whether the conviction and death sentence against the accused-appellant for the murder of Nirosha Gamini Kumari Ranawaka, based entirely on circumstantial evidence, were justified. It was held that the conviction met the required legal standard, reaffirming that circumstantial evidence must point exclusively to the guilt of the accused, being wholly inconsistent with any hypothesis of innocence. Reliance was placed on established legal authorities regarding circumstantial evidence, emphasizing that when evidence is incapable of any conclusion other than guilt, conviction is warranted.

Sisira J De Abrew J. — T