Ajit Samarakoon vs The Republic (Kobaigane Murder Case) – sllr 2004 volume 2 page 209

Brief
In the case between Ajit Samarakoon (Accused-appellant, Officer-in-Charge Kobeigane Police Station) and The Republic, the court addressed the admissibility and evaluation of evidence in a murder conviction, including the consideration of belated witness statements, the credibility of testimony, and the implications of documentary evidence. The court held that the trial judge’s findings of guilt were supported by sufficient and properly admitted evidence, and that delayed statements are not to be rejected solely due to timing if justified. The principle reaffirmed was that appellate review does not entail a complete re-appraisal of facts when the trial court’s findings are not manifestly erroneous. Reliance was placed on the Penal Code and Evidence Ordinance, emphasizing that material