Wewala Patabendige Somapala vs Hon. Attorney General – SC APPEAL 181/2016-2016

In Wewala Patabendige Somapala v. Attorney General and others, the court considered whether the accused’s conduct constituted a rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide as defined by section 298 of the Penal Code. It was held that the prosecution failed to establish the accused’s guilt for negligent driving resulting in death and related offences beyond reasonable doubt. The holding reaffirmed the principle that criminal negligence requires a high degree of culpability, referencing legal standards articulated in prior jurisprudence, such as Lord Atkin’s judgment. The decision clarified the evidentiary standard in criminal negligence cases and resulted in the acquittal and discharge of the accused on all charges.

P. Padman Surasena J. — Analyzed comprehensive witness testi