From the scene of the crime to unravel whodunnit
View(s):
‘Yali Mewena Aparadayak’ is a classic treatise on criminal law published in recent times. Sarath Jayamanne, President’s Counsel, Additional Solicitor General, has shared his experience in successfully prosecuting some of the most “famous” criminal trials of recent times, such as the Kobeiganne beauty queen murder trial, ruggerite Tony Martin’s murder trial, High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya murder trial, trial of the disappearance of students at Embilipitiya and trials of multiple murder at Hokandara and Mirusuvil, based mostly on circumstantial evidence gathered at the scene of crime.
The launch of the book itself was a unique event. The ‘invitees’ were summoned for the ceremonial occasion graced by the President, the Chief Justice, members of the judiciary, legal fraternity and law enforcers.
They and other guests were ushered in with the other distinguished invitees to their seats at the BMICH to the lilting strains of the piano, presented by Shashini Pandithasundara, only to be confronted by a three dimensional reproduction of Tony Martin’s room which was a store house of intrinsic evidence which was ultimately revealed through meticulous forensics leading to a successful prosecution well dramatized and presented in a spell binding manner by the author himself.
The event itself was a blend of culture with famous artistes performing in between the presentations by the author who in his own inimitable style tapered his presentations to the relevance of the recital, alas leaving the audience haunted with the ‘lament from the death row’ by Maestro Sunil Edirisinghe.
Jayamanne, in 25 illustrated chapters highlights the importance of forensically gathering clues left by the perpetrators at the scene of crime such as fingerprints, footprints, DNA samples and other remnants and expounds the relevant law, the principles of evidence, its logical presentation in a Court of Law where circumstances so entwined shall lead to guilt.
The author signing books at the launch
While each chapter in the book commences with an apt quotation, Jayamanne begins chapter three under a rhetorical heading “Can the evidence of an eye witness be believed?” highlighting the incontrovertibility of circumstantial evidence and quotes Oscar Wilde; “The truth is rarely pure and never simple”.
This treatise is undoubtedly an invaluable masterpiece. It should not only adorn the library but be read and referred to by every practitioner and student of law irrespective of whether he is a forensic expert, prosecutor, defender or Judge.
I only hope that the author will take the initiative to translate this valuable work into English so that it could benefit many others here and abroad.
-Razik Zarook PC