Former Akuressa PS Chairman Acquitted of rape charges

 Former Chairman of the Akkuressa Pradeshiya Sabah, convicted for raping an under aged girl was acquitted by the Court of Appeal on the grounds that the the trial judge at the Colombo High Court had failed to evaluate available evidence against

Former Pradeshiya Sabah Chairman, Saruwa Liyanage Sunil was sentenced for 15 years rigorous imprisonment over a rape of an underage girl by the Colombo high court Judge Adithya Patabandige on January 17, 2020.

 During the trial the court declared that the charges leveled against the accused have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. High Court Judge also ordered the accused to pay a fine of Rs 25,000 as well as Rs 250,000 as compensation to the victim.

The Former Chairman Sunil was arrested by the Children and Women Bureau of Police (Matara) in July 2012 in connection with allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl

 The 14 year old victim who was daughter of couple who had worked under him was abused at a hotel owned by him during the period of May 23 to June 02, 2012.

The court of appeal acquitted the accused and set aside the conviction as well as sentence given by the Colombo high court since the trial judge had failed to evaluate evidence against the accused.

The verdict was given by Court of Appeal two judge bench comprising Justices P. Kumaratnam and Sampath Abeykoon.