Maussagedara Asanka Bandara, Bandiyage Laxman Wijeyweera, Medaella Pahalagedara Somathilake vs Hon. Attorney General – CA 253/2013-2017

In the case between Maussagedara Asanka Bandara and others (Appellants) and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondent), the court addressed the appropriateness of a sentence of 7 years’ Rigorous Imprisonment imposed for the robbery of relics from a temple, particularly in light of mitigating factors. It was held that, although the conviction itself was not under appeal, the sentence warranted review due to the appellants’ youth, family circumstances, and period of incarceration since conviction. The principle reaffirmed is that mitigating circumstances should be properly considered in sentencing, following the Penal Code and established sentencing guidelines. The decision reduced the sentence to 6 years’ Rigorous Imprisonment from the date of conviction, with the fine and default sentence left