Pujith Jayasundara Vs. The Officer in Charge, Commercial Crime Investigation Unit and Others – CA PHC APPEAL NO 260-261/2019-2022

In the case between the Officer in Charge, Commercial Crime Investigation Unit I, Criminal Investigation Department, Colombo 1 (Complainant-Petitioner-Respondent) and Hemasiri Fernando (1st Suspect-Respondent–Appellant), the court addressed the issue of whether the appeal by the appellant should be dismissed due to absence and lack of representation, despite proper notice being served. It was held that, given the appellant’s absence and apparent lack of interest in prosecuting the appeal, the dismissal for non-prosecution was appropriate. The principle reaffirmed the necessity for appellants to demonstrate interest and diligence in prosecuting appeals, relying on procedural requirements for proper notice and court efficiency. This decision emphasizes the procedural obligation for engagemen