S. Priyangika Soyza vs The Hon. Attorney General – CA 113/2012-2014

In the case between S. Priyangika Soyza (Accused-Appellant) and The Hon. Attorney General (Respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether the sentence imposed for possession of 1.181 grams of heroin was excessive. It was held that the original sentence of 9 years’ Rigorous Imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 100,000, with 6 months’ default imprisonment, was appropriate given the circumstances, including evidence suggestive of trafficking and the appellant’s history of absconding while on bail. The principle that judicial discretion in sentencing will not be disturbed unless manifestly excessive or wrong was reaffirmed. Reliance was placed on the evidence adduced and the conduct of the accused during proceedings, emphasizing that established sentencing standards were correctly followed.