Welathanthrige Krishantha Nuwan Kumara v. Hon. Attorney General – CA/HCC/98/2019-2022

In the case between the Hon. Attorney General and Welathanthrige Krishantha Nuwan Kumara (2nd accused-appellant), the court examined whether the conviction and sentence for murder, rape, and grievous hurt imposed by the High Court of Nuwara Eliya were legally sustainable. The determination centered on the reliability and admissibility of witness evidence, proper application of the common intention doctrine, and fair assessment of the defence case, notably an alibi. The findings established that the evidence presented at trial, particularly the statements of key witnesses and the process of identification, contained inconsistencies and was insufficient for proof beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment set aside the convictions, reaffirming the principle that criminal convictions require evide