Gamlathge Nishantha and Rajapakse Arachchige Chamara v. Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC/0108-0109/2019-2023

In the case between Gamlathge Nishantha Rajapakse, Arachchige Chamara (appellants), and the Hon. Attorney General (respondent), the court examined the appellants’ convictions for kidnapping from lawful guardianship, grave sexual abuse, rape, and related charges. The central legal issues addressed included the sufficiency and credibility of the victim’s testimony, the impact of delayed complaint, and the adequacy of medical evidence for proving sexual offences. The findings established that while inconsistencies and delays in reporting were present, the victim’s evidence—supported by medical and circumstantial factors—was credible for sexual abuse and rape, but insufficient for kidnapping. Convictions on kidnapping were quashed due to lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt, but convictions f