Rankoth Pedige Lesly Wijerathna vs Officer in Charge, M.C. of Chilaw Police Station – CA PHC NO. 210/2020-2022

The case between Rankoth Pedige Lesly Wijerathna and the Officer in Charge, Police Station, Arachchikattuwa, together with the Hon. Attorney General, Attorney General’s Department, addressed whether an appeal could proceed when the appellant was absent, unrepresented, and had failed to pay the required brief fees after receiving notice. It was held that the failure to comply with procedural requirements and demonstrate due diligence justified dismissal of the appeal, reaffirming the principle that adherence to established procedures and demonstration of prosecutorial interest are necessary for appeals to be entertained. This decision relied on the procedural rules governing appellate practice, underscoring that non-compliance may result in dismissal of appeals.

Neil Iddawala J. — It was