Alleged rape of an underage girl: Former Akuressa PS chairman acquitted from the case

11 October 2022 10:40 am - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Court of Appeal today ordered to acquit former Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Saruwa Liyanage Sunil from a case filed against him for raping an underage girl in 2012.

Saruwa Liyanage was sentenced to 15 years Rigorous Imprisonment by Colombo High Court for allegedly raping an underaged girl (statutory rape) in 2012.

Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices P. Kumaratnam and Sampath Abeykoon decided to set aside the conviction and sentence imposed by Colombo High Court against the accused since trial judge had failed to evaluate evidence against the accused.

In his appeal, the accused maintained that the conviction of the high court cannot be sustained as the victim during the High Court trial had categorically denied the petitioner committed rape on her.

The former Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman filed this appeal seeking the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to review and set aside his conviction and the rigorous imprisonment imposed by the High Court on January 17, 2020.

The Attorney General had filed an indictment against the former Chairman of the Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha Saruwa Liyanage Sunil for allegedly raping an underaged girl in Akuressa between May 23, 2012 and July 2, 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.(Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

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Comments - 23

NightOwl Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:15 AM

What a logic.. failing to consider the evidence against the accused. If not for the consideration, how come he could have been found guilty at first place.?

BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:18 AM

It is not denial that is important from victim. Was there sexual intercourse between this suspected perpetrator and child victim. The victim and her family can be induced to change their statements due to various underhand actions, because the powerful is the perpetrator. The judge needs to take all this into consideration carefully. Even the Police can manipulate evidence like the way Thajudeen case was handled where even the JMO reports were hatched.

Sujja Tuesday, 11 October 2022 12:48 PM

This is a land like no other... Anything can happen to evidence. Power of the Satakayas

Man Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:31 AM

A judgment made following the evidence of the victim, under duress of that Royal Clan.

Sokrates Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:44 AM

Another case that shows that money can buy anything in Sri Lanka. Obviously the victim was bribed here.

ravin Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:46 AM

What a pathetic situation.

Maina go to ceptic tank Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:56 AM

Corrupted judicial system does not give any damn attention to civilians rights.

Dilshan Perera Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:58 AM

Every problem of Sri Lanka is due to our kangaroo courts, cesspit judiciary and filthy shameless lawyers and judges.. only when all above are wiped out will there be development.

Aquarius Tuesday, 11 October 2022 12:15 PM

This is why our country will never move forward, too much corruption and the judiciary system is total BS when the common man/woman/child is the victim. Yes, as mentioned by others, money/threats can silence victims.

Disgusted Tuesday, 11 October 2022 12:25 PM

How much was that poor girl paid?? What a country we live in!

Mandayan Tuesday, 11 October 2022 12:28 PM

One court sentenced a sitting MP with death sentence for murder. Another court instead of reducing the sentence, acquitted. Same story here. When it come to SLPP politicians, all change upside down.

neil Tuesday, 11 October 2022 01:34 PM

Beg for Fairnes. PC with a name can domagic. Innocent victims lives are not worth any more. Was she raped really? Medical evidence should have revealed that irrespective of what victims says. Need to consider influence on our village people!

Sunil Tuesday, 11 October 2022 01:40 PM

One country, one law in action.

Ram Tuesday, 11 October 2022 02:08 PM

CA decision appear to be a good decision. Suspects money appear to have played a part at the hearing

TEN years later. Tuesday, 11 October 2022 02:14 PM

The incident had taken place in 2012 and HC judgement given in 2020. Whether for Murder or Rape one can get acquitted. What happens to the HC judge if he had erred ? Won't the AG appeal to the SC.?

Jarampala Kunawatta Tuesday, 11 October 2022 02:26 PM

Chee - Chee - Chee! People must punish them soon as the court system fails!! Kaalakanni.

Jef Tuesday, 11 October 2022 05:06 PM

The system failed long time ago ...Can we have a honest decent system in place Sri lanka will not change for a very long time or never the roots can't be changed

Action for freedom Tuesday, 11 October 2022 06:56 PM

Ranjan Ramayake spoke up about the corruption throughout the judicial system. While the judges are above criticism, and Appeal Courts (and higher) will continue the unfairness for payments behind the scenes. When will parliament seek a public referendum to rid our selves of deification of judges in our failed Constitution? And also rid ourselves of the Indian corruption that become the 13th Amendment too.

Blessing Tuesday, 11 October 2022 08:30 PM

Sri-Lanka is a heaven for all types of rogues. This is no more a democratic country. Utter shame.

Quolp Tuesday, 11 October 2022 11:50 PM

Either this bugger will be KILLED by the concerned party or should be met with a DEADLY ACCIDENT in which he should be killed in a CRUEL MANNER soon. We pray that to happen soon.

hoodwinker Wednesday, 12 October 2022 04:02 AM

Most corrupted judiciary, just imagine waiting for 11 years. for a verdict that is favoured the accused. Shame on you, waited until the suspects hat collection was done and money in the account.

Kanapala Ambatale Wednesday, 12 October 2022 10:30 AM

Ponnaya will give a minister post now for this THUG!! Mina will HUG - Kaputa will fly with this man - Nariya is keeping away. Ponnaya needs such people as he can do nothing with ladies!!

Cherath Wednesday, 12 October 2022 02:18 PM

This verdict spells out in no uncertain terms the absurdity of the government's claim of one law for all. Members of the government party have been convicted of rape, gang rape, underage rape, murder, ransom, kidnapping and sundry. Yet they all have gone back to their dens, nidoskota nidahas. UNHRC please take note!

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Alleged rape of an underage girl: Former Akuressa PS chairman acquitted from the case

Comments - 23

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