Weerappulige Upul Wijesinghe vs. The Attorney General – CA HCC/0002/21-2024

In the case between the Attorney General/Attorney General’s Department (Complainant-Respondent) and Weerappulige Upul Wijesinghe (Accused-Appellant), the court addressed the issues arising from the appellant’s conviction for kidnapping a minor and grave sexual abuse, as well as the procedural propriety of an amended indictment. It was held that the conviction and sentence were proper, with the appellate review confirming that the prosecution had established the charges beyond reasonable doubt. This decision reaffirmed the principle that minor inconsistencies do not necessarily undermine the credibility of traumatized witnesses. The court relied on precedents, notably Bhoginbhai Hirjibhai Vs State of Gujarat, and gave emphasis to the need for realistic expectations regarding witness recolle