Jayasinghe Pathiranalage Lalith Kumara v. Attorney General – CA163/2013-2015

In the case between Jayasinghe Pathiranalage Lalith Kumara (Accused-Appellant) and the Attorney General (Respondent), the legal issue concerned whether a 15-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment imposed for grave sexual abuse under Section 365B(2)A of the Penal Code was excessive and disproportionate to the offence. The proceedings centred solely on sentencing, as the conviction itself was uncontested on appeal. It was held that the original sentence of 15 years was disproportionate given the absence of aggravating factors, leading to a substitution of a 10-year term of imprisonment, while affirming the fine and compensation. The decision reaffirmed the sentencing principles outlined in Attorney General v. Ranasinghe and mandated proportionality in sentencing within statutory limits for s