Karunarathne vs. Attorney General – sllr 2020 volume 3 page 273

The case between Karunarathne and the Attorney General addressed whether the sentence of 81 years’ rigorous imprisonment, imposed for convictions including kidnapping and rape of a minor, was excessive and contrary to principles of a fair trial and sentencing. It was held that the imposition of maximum consecutive sentences, under the circumstances of procedural irregularity and inadequate evidentiary support for certain counts, rendered the sentence manifestly excessive. The court reaffirmed the principle that courts are required to safeguard the right to a fair trial under constitutional and statutory mandates, including ensuring effective representation and a reasoned assessment of charges and sentencing. This decision relied on constitutional guarantees such as Articles 4(d), 13(3), an