The Attorney General vs. Punchiweddikarage Aruna Felix Perera – SC SPL LA 184/2017-2020

In the case between the Attorney General’s Department, Colombo 12 (Complainant-Respondent), and Punchiweddikarage Aruna Felix Perera (Accused-Appellant-Petitioner), the Supreme Court addressed whether the Court of Appeal’s handling of the appellant’s case denied the opportunity for a full judicial review by both appellate judges and whether key submissions by the appellant were duly considered. It was held that significant procedural irregularities occurred, particularly concerning the composition of the appellate bench and the process by which the judgment was finalized and issued. The previous appellate judgments—dated 07th June 2017 and 17th July 2017—were set aside, and it was ordered that the appeal be reheard before a new bench. This ruling underscores the principle that justice must