The case involved offences committed in Adippala, Chilaw, between November and December 2006. The accused, a 27-year-old married man, was found guilty of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old girl, who later became pregnant as a result of the abuse. DNA evidence during the trial confirmed that the accused fathered the child. The Chilaw High Court sentenced him to 18 years of rigorous imprisonment on each of three rape counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence as lawful and proportionate.
Delivering the judgement, Court of Appeal Justice Amal Ranaraja, with Justice Sasi Mahendran agreeing, described rape as “not merely a crime, but a curse that strikes at the very heart of the community.” The Court noted that sexual violence leaves deep psychological scars on victims and contributes to a broader climate of fear and insecurity among women and girls.
Alarming Statistics
Recent data and expert assessments indicate that rape and sexual violence are persistent and serious problems in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka Police data show rape and related sexual harassment remain among the most frequently reported crimes, with over 2,200 cases of sexual harassment against women recorded in recent reporting years. Domestic violence complaints, which often co-occur with sexual violence, reached nearly 130,000 reported incidents in 2024, a significant increase from pre-pandemic years.
National surveys have found that around one in four women experience sexual and/or physical violence since the age of 15, demonstrating a high prevalence of gender-based violence.
Historic research by international bodies also found that substantial proportions of men surveyed admitted to committing rape against women, with very low legal consequences—highlighting long-standing issues of under-enforcement and impunity.
Experts caution that official statistics likely underrepresent the true scale of sexual violence due to underreporting, survivor fears of stigma, and concerns about insensitive handling by authorities.
Policy and Legal Context
Sri Lanka’s legal framework and policy environment on rape and sexual violence have been the subject of recent debate and proposed reforms:
Under current law, marital rape is not explicitly criminalised unless spouses are judicially separated—a provision Justice Ministry officials have acknowledged and said they plan to address with new legislation.
Discussions in Parliament and among civil society have revolved around proposed amendments to the Penal Code that would alter how statutory rape and related offences are defined and punished, including controversial proposals to reduce the age of consent or mitigate sentences for offenders under certain age brackets. These proposals have drawn criticism from women’s rights groups and oversight committees concerned about weakening child protection laws.
National and international stakeholders continue to call for strengthened forensic capacity, trauma-informed policing, and enhanced victim support services to improve access to justice and reduce backlogs in evidence processing.
Court’s Emphasis on Societal Impact
In dismissing the appeal, the Court of Appeal emphasised that convictions for rape must reflect the serious harm inflicted on victims and the broader community. The Court noted that the victim in this case endured severe physical and psychological trauma, including the burden of childbirth at an age of profound vulnerability and unpreparedness.
The judgement reaffirmed the imperative for robust legal responses, effective enforcement, and a justice system that protects dignity and deters future crimes. In the face of growing reports of sexual and gender-based violence, the Court’s remarks signal a broader recognition that Sri Lanka must confront systemic challenges—from legal reform to community norms—to safeguard the safety and rights of all citizens.
Sources: Daily Mirror, Sri Lanka Police, UN agencies, Colombo Gazette, Economy Next, Human Rights Watch, and civil society research.