• He was fined Rs. 40,000 under all four counts, and to pay Rs. 300,000 as compensation to the victim

By Dileep Jayasekara

An accused who stood indicted with rape of a 12-year-old girl was sentenced to 36 year rigorous imprisonment under four counts by Hambantota High Court Judge Priyantha Liyanage last Wednesday.

A resident of Acharigama in Angunukolapelessa Ruwan Kumara, 42,  was the accused who had in  March 2010, raped the victim several times. After non-summary proceedings before the Angunukolapelessa  Magistrate the accused had been ordered to stand trial in the High Court. The accused was sentenced to eight year rigorous imprisonment under the first and the third counts, and 28 rigorous imprisonment under the 2nd and the 4th counts. He was ordered to pay fines amounting to Rs. 40,000 under all four counts, and to pay Rs. 300,000 as compensation to the victim. State Counsel Nimantha Jayawickrema with Predecessor State Counsel  Shehan Musthapa prosecuted.