Lamahewage Emil Ranjan vs. Hon. Attorney General – SC APPEAL NO TAB 001/2023-2024

In the case of Lamahewage Emil Ranjan (appellant, 2nd accused) v. The State (complainant/respondent), the court addressed whether the murder conviction arising from the Welikada Prison riots of 9–10 November 2012 was established beyond reasonable doubt. The issue focused on whether the prosecution’s key evidence—including delayed and conflicting witness statements, inconsistencies in documentary materials regarding the handover of weapons, and medical evidence about the time of death—was sufficiently reliable to sustain a conviction. It was held that the prosecution’s evidence lacked corroboration and credibility, with critical discrepancies undermining the trial court’s findings. The conviction was overturned and an acquittal was ordered, reaffirming that criminal convictions must rest on