Mailappuge Ananda Karunarathna vs Attorney General – CA HCC 0194 /2023-2025

In Mailappuge Ananda Karunarathna vs Attorney General, the court examined an appeal concerning the conviction and sentencing for grave sexual abuse of a minor under Section 365B of the Penal Code. The core issues included the appellant’s challenge to the mandatory sentencing on the basis of severe health conditions and arguments seeking judicial discretion to vary the sentence in light of mitigating circumstances. It was held that the provisions of Section 365B require adherence to mandatory minimum sentences, and sentencing proportionality must be evaluated considering the aggravating circumstances and the public interest in deterring similar offences. Citing relevant Supreme Court precedents and statutory requirements, the court affirmed both the conviction and imposition of concurrent t