Lakshman Ananda Wijemanne vs. Officer-in-Charge, Special Crime Investigation Bureau – CA PHC 144/2016-2022

In the case between Officer-in-Charge, Special Crime Investigation Bureau, Police Superintendent Officer, Kuliyapitiya, and Hon. Attorney General (Plaintiffs/Complainants) v. Lakshman Ananda Wijemanne (5th Accused–Petitioner–Appellant) and others, the court addressed the legality of the High Court of Kuliyapitiya’s order, which affirmed the addition of the appellant as a 5th accused under Sections 389 and 403 of the Penal Code, and considered whether due investigative process and fair trial rights were upheld. It was held that the investigative process was flawed, as the appellant was added as an accused without recording his statement or adequate inquiry, and the available evidence did not sufficiently implicate him in fraud. The judgment reaffirmed the principle that criminal charges mus