Liyana Pedilage Sirisena alias Sira vs Hon. The Attorney General – CA NO.157/2011-2014

In the case between Liyana Pedilage Sirisena alias Sira (Accused-Appellant) and Hon. The Attorney General (Respondent), the issue addressed was whether the sentence imposed for grave sexual abuse of a minor, Nadeesha Maduwanthi, was excessive. It was held that, although the conviction remained unchallenged, the sentence of 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment was disproportionate in the circumstances. The principle reaffirmed was that sentencing must consider both the severity of the offence and mitigating factors such as the accused-appellant’s age. The decision relied on principles of proportional sentencing and statutory guidelines for sexual offences, emphasizing judicial discretion in calibrating penalties to individual circumstances.

Sisira J. De Abrew, J. — The findings established tha