M.A. Chaminda Wijethilaka v. Hon Attorney General – CA HC 38/2016-2016

In the case between M.A. Chaminda Wijethilaka and the Hon Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of the accused-appellant’s withdrawal of an appeal in a criminal matter previously adjudicated by the High Court of Anuradhapura. It was held that, upon confirmation by both counsel and the accused-appellant, the withdrawal was valid and the appeal stood dismissed. This determination reaffirmed the procedural principle that an accused is permitted to withdraw an appeal at any stage before its final adjudication, provided the withdrawal is explicit and confirmed by the appellant in open court. Reliance was placed on established appellate procedures, underscoring the importance of personal confirmation for voluntary withdrawal of appeals.

S. Thurairaja PC J. — The findings established