Chakkrawarthi Arachchge Don Padmasiri Gunawardena alias Chutiya and others vs The Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC 0162 ABC/2015-2025

This case involves appeals by accused-appellants against convictions for murder and causing hurt. The legal issues addressed concern the fairness of the trial, the sufficiency of the High Court Judge’s analysis of evidence, the allocation of the burden of proof, and the establishment of common murderous intention, alongside procedural disputes concerning an appellant’s absence and the use of witness statements. The original trial resulted in acquittals for unlawful assembly but convictions for murder and causing hurt. A subsequent retrial was ordered by the Court of Appeal. During the retrial, the 1st Appellant’s absconding led to proceedings in absentia and the denial of a trial de novo. The High Court reaffirmed the convictions, prompting these appeals. The arguments presented challenged