Jayasinghe Mudiyanselage Sarath Kumara Vs. Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – CPA/43/22-2022

In the case between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Jayasinghe Mudiyanselage Sarath Kumara, the court addressed whether the High Court’s order permitting witness testimony via audio visual linkage under Section 31 of the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, No. 4 of 2015, should be set aside on revision. It was held that the statutory framework explicitly authorizes remote testimony to ensure the rights of victims and witnesses, promote efficient justice, and prevent unnecessary delays. The findings established that petitioner’s objection—regarding the inability to observe the witness’s demeanor—did not amount to an exceptional circumstance warranting revision. Relying on the legislative intent and statutory provisions, the decision reaffir