By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Court of Appeal yesterday 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 under-aged girl (statutory rape) in 2012.  The 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 concluding that the prosecution has not proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.