The Hon. Attorney General Vs Hakmana Kankanamage Sunil – 08/2013-2017

In the case between The Hon. Attorney General (Complainant-Appellant) and Hakmana Kankanamage Sunil (Accused-Respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether the sentence imposed on the accused for kidnapping, abduction, and rape was unduly lenient. It was determined that the initial sentence did not adequately reflect the gravity of the crimes committed. The holding enhanced the sentence, stressing that sentencing should both reflect the seriousness of the acts and serve as an effective deterrent. Reliance was placed on statutory sentencing guidelines and relevant judicial precedents, with the decision underscoring the principle that leniency in sentencing must not compromise the justice owed to victims and society.

K. K. Wickramasinghe J. — The facts established that the accused w