Dadalege Pathmasinghe vs Commission of Inquiry Into Allegations of Bribery and Corruption – CA NO. 202/2012-2015

In the case between Dadallage Pathmasinghe (Accused Appellant) and the Commission of Inquiry Into Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (Respondent), the court addressed whether the appellant was rightly convicted under the Bribery Act for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 5,000 to facilitate the issuance of a residence certificate needed for an electricity connection. The court held that the conviction was justified, as the evidence established guilt beyond reasonable doubt and the trial judge had appropriately evaluated credibility and evidence. The sentence was revised from four years to three years’ rigorous imprisonment per count, to run concurrently, with other penalties remaining unchanged. The decision reaffirmed the principle that public officials must not misuse office for p