Kotagala Dhammarathana vs. The Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC/0172/2020-2023

In the case between Kotagala Dhammarathana (Appellant, a Buddhist priest) and the Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of whether the conduct of the Appellant amounted to grave sexual abuse, with particular focus on the contested issue of consent and the evaluation of child witness credibility. It was held that the conviction should stand on the primary count of grave sexual abuse, but the sentence was reduced from 20 years to 12 years rigorous imprisonment, maintaining the original fine and compensation. The principles reaffirmed included the proper assessment of witness testimony, especially concerning children, and the inapplicability of implied consent based on the facts. The decision relied on Section 365B of the Penal Code and relevant legal authorities, emphasizing t