Jayakody Aratchchilage Premawathie v. The Attorney General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – CA CASE NO. 72/2011-2017

In the case between Jayakody Aratchchilage Premawathie (Appellant) and the Attorney General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Respondent), the court addressed whether the appellant violated customs regulations by failing to declare two blenders on the CUSDEC form upon arrival from India, and if the principle of good faith under Section 51 of the Penal Code was properly applied. It was held that failure to declare the two blenders constituted a breach of customs laws, and that the principle of good faith, as invoked by the appellant, was not adequately supported by evidence or relevant precedent. The court reaffirmed that regular travelers are expected to be familiar with customs requirements and that omission without valid explanation is sufficient to uphold a conviction.