Warnakulasooriya Arachchige Padma Ranjani alias Kudu Noni vs The Attorney General – CA BAIL 0110/2022-2023

In the matter between Thotagama Widanalage Chandani (petitioner for bail) and the Attorney General’s Department (respondents), the court examined the propriety of granting bail under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act No. 41 of 2022, specifically considering what constitutes “exceptional circumstances.” The petition highlighted a 24-month remand delay, absence of drugs on the accused’s person at arrest, advanced age, and significant health issues as factors supporting bail. It was determined that the seriousness of a drug-related offence must be weighed against the presumption of innocence and the accused’s right to a fair process, affirming that exceptional delay and personal health factors may justify bail under strict conditions. The decision was grounded in statutory interpreta