Mirihana Kankanamalage Ruwan Chamara vs. Hon Attorney General – CPA/123/2022-2022

In the case between the bail revision Petitioner (an accused of aiding and abetting drug trafficking and money laundering) and the Attorney General’s Department (Complainant-Respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether exceptional circumstances existed to justify granting bail to the accused despite serious drug trafficking allegations and previous convictions. It was held that, in view of prolonged remand, weak evidentiary context, and procedural irregularities, the accused was entitled to bail under strict conditions. The principle reaffirmed is that while the seriousness of a charge is critical, exceptional circumstances such as sustained pre-trial custody and delays may override the general bail prohibition under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. The decision w