The Republic of Sri Lanka vs. Kuruppu Arachchilage Wijetunge alias Wije, Ganitha Devayalage Sunil Jayaratne, and Kuruppu Arachchilage Gamini Jayatissa – SC APPEAL NO: 97/09-2011

In the case between the 1st and 2nd Accused (appellants) and the Attorney-General’s Department (respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether the prosecution had established beyond reasonable doubt that the accused harbored a common murderous intention to commit murder. The court held that the evidence, including credible eyewitness testimony and supporting circumstantial evidence, demonstrated a shared intention by the accused to commit the crime, resulting in the upholding of the convictions and dismissal of the appeal. The principle reaffirmed is the proper test for assessing common murderous intention in joint criminal conduct, with reference to established legal precedents such as King v Loku Nona and guidelines articulated in earlier jurisprudence. The judgment further clarif