Rosemary Judy Perera vs Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – SC APPEAL 154/14-2020

Brief
In the case between Rosemary Judy Perera (Accused-Appellant) and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the court addressed the interpretation of Section 360A(1) of the Penal Code regarding “procuration.” It was determined that the offence of procuration under this section is limited to the inducing of a person not already engaged in prostitution to become a prostitute, and does not extend to those already practicing prostitution. The evidentiary requirement concerning testimony from the procured person was clarified, establishing that in the absence of such evidence, the charge is insufficiently made out if status as a non-prostitute cannot be proven. The outcome reaffirms the principle that penal provisions relating to procuration must be strictly construed, aligning with