Public Health Inspector Weragala Vs. Rev. Kegalle/5114 HC/Warakapola 84179 – CA PHC/213/17-2022

In the case between the Public Health Inspector, Weragala (Complainant/Respondent), and Raigam Wayamba Salterns P.L.C. with its Manager (Accused-Petitioner/Appellant), the court examined the proper application of evidentiary and procedural requirements under the Food Act concerning the admissibility of a government analyst’s report ([P3]). The court determined that the prosecution had failed to comply with mandatory procedural safeguards, specifically regarding the timely provision of the analyst’s report to the accused as required by law. The evidentiary value of the report was further questioned due to an unexplained delay, and in the absence of proof that statutory provisions were met, doubt was held to benefit the accused in line with fundamental criminal law principles. The decision r