Court of Appeal finds fault with trial judge
The Court of Appeal yesterday (11) acquitted former Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Saruwa Liyanage Sunil from a case filed against him for raping an underage girl in 2012.
The Colombo High Court on 17 January 2020, sentenced him to 15 years Rigorous Imprisonment for raping an underage girl (statutory rape) in 2012.
The Court of Appeal two-judge-bench, comprising Justices P. Kumaratnam and Sampath Abeykoon set aside the conviction and sentence imposed by the Colombo High Court against the accused over the failure of the trial judge to evaluate evidence against the accused.
In his appeal, the accused maintained that the conviction by the High Court couldn’t be sustained as the victim during the trial had categorically denied the petitioner raped her
The former Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman appealed to the Court of Appeal to review and set aside his conviction and the rigorous imprisonment imposed by the High Court
The Attorney General filed an indictment against the former Chairman of the Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha Saruwa Liyanage Sunil for allegedly raping an underage girl in Akuressa between 23 May 2012 and 02 July 2012.
President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamanne with Senior Counsel Darshana Kuruppu appeared for the accused. Senior Deputy Solicitor General Shanil Kularatne appeared for the Attorney General.