Karanayakage Ranjith Vijitha Kumara vs. Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC 170/2024-2025

In the case between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (represented by the Attorney General) and Karanayakage Ranjith Vijitha Kumara alias Godelle Wasantha, the court addressed the validity of the prosecution’s evidence in establishing the accused’s involvement in the kidnapping and rape of a minor. It was held that the prosecution established proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the sentencing was deemed appropriate considering the aggravating circumstances. The decision reaffirmed the principle that material contradictions or discrepancies in witness testimonies must be examined in the context of overall evidence and must not undermine proof when the prosecution’s case is otherwise established. Reliance was placed on evaluation standards prescribed by the Code of Cri