Hewathanthrige Nuwan Janaka vs. Hon Attorney General – CA HCC 30/2016-2021

In Hewathanthrige Nuwan Janaka v. Hon Attorney General, the court examined whether the consecutive sentences imposed by the High Court of Negombo for abduction with intent for illicit intercourse, rape, and grave sexual abuse were excessively harsh, given the circumstances of the Accused-Appellant. It was held that although the convictions were not contested, the aggregate custodial sentence warranted reconsideration in light of the accused’s age, lack of previous convictions, and period already served. The appellate court relied on statutory sentencing principles and proportionality, holding that the sentence for rape should be reduced and all sentences should run concurrently from the date of original conviction, thereby mitigating the overall term of imprisonment and aligning the senten