Jinendra Prabhath Liyanage v. The Attorney General – CA HCC/0274/16-2023

The case between Jinendra Prabhath Liyanage (accused-appellant) and the Hon. Attorney General (representing the prosecution) addressed the issue of whether the conviction for drug trafficking was sustainable based on the evidence and process followed in the High Court of Colombo. The court held that the prosecution failed to discharge the burden of proving the chain of custody and did not establish the appellant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in the appellant’s acquittal. The principle reaffirmed was that the prosecution must prove its case with cogent and credible evidence, maintaining strict adherence to the presumption of innocence and proof beyond reasonable doubt. This decision relied on evaluation of evidentiary gaps, inconsistencies in witness testimony, and procedural d