The Attorney General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka vs. Warnakulasuriya Siril – 235/2012-2018

In the case between the Attorney General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Warnakulasuriya Siril, the court addressed whether the trial judge erred by (1) inadequately considering discrepancies in prosecution witness testimony, (2) improperly referring to the police information book (investigation notes), and (3) failing to properly assess the dock statement and defence testimony. It was held that no substantive contradiction existed in the prosecution evidence, use of investigation notes as an aid – and not as evidence – complied with Section 110(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code, and the trial court had duly considered the defence case. The conviction and sentence were upheld, reaffirming that judicial reference to investigation notes is permissible for clarification—