17-year RI for statutory rape

By D.G.Sugathapala   

An accused who stood indicted with statutory rape of an underage girl was found guilty and sentenced to 17 year Rigorous Imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 32500 under two counts by Galle High Court Judge Purnima Paranagama.   

He was ordered to pay the victim Rs.400,000 and, the child born to her by him Rs. 600,000 as compensation.  

The accused was sentenced for further six month imprisonment in default of the fine and six month imprisonment in default of the compensation payment.   

Police giving evidence for the prosecution stated that the accused, Wellage Jayawardene Silva who fell in love with the 15 year old girl had taken her to a house in Koggala and raped her on or around December 01 , 2015. 

The accused from Payagala area was 42 years of age at that time and he had met the girl from Ahangama when he was employed as a cinnamon peeler in the area. 

When the girl conceived she made a complaint to the Police.   

Prosecution informed court that the DNA test has confirmed the accused’s paternity of the child.   

Sergeants 15921 Aruna and 42484 Niroshan supported the prosecution.