Jayasinghe Arachchilage Lal Premathilake Vs. The Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC/83/2018-2022

In the case between Jayasinghe Arachchilage Lal Premathilake (accused-appellant) and The Hon. Attorney General, representing the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (complainant-respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether the sentence imposed for culpable homicide not amounting to murder was excessive. It was held that, considering the absence of premeditation, lack of previous convictions, circumstances of a sudden altercation, and the accused’s guilty plea, a sentence reduction was warranted. The principle reaffirmed was that sentencing should be proportionate, with due regard to mitigating factors under section 297 of the Penal Code. The decision emphasized judicial discretion in tailoring punishment to the circumstances, especially where a guilty plea is entered and pr