Judgment

1. The accused–appellant (hereinafter referred to as “the appellant”) was indicted for the possession and trafficking of 2.24 grams of heroin, offences punishable under Section 54A(b) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, as amended byAct No. 13of1984.

2. The trial commenced in the High Court of Chilaw,and at the conclusion of the proceedings, the learned High Court Judge found the appellant guilty of the charges. Consequently, the appellant was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. It is against this conviction and sentence that the appellant has lodged the present appeal. The following are the grounds of appeal advanced bytheappellant:

a. Theprosecution has not proved the chain ofproductions;

b. Theevidence of PW1 andPW2 lacks credibility;

c. The learned High Court Judge has not given adequate reasons for rejecting thedockstatement; and, d. Thesentence imposedontheappellant is excessive.

3. On behalf of the prosecution, three witnesses testified, namely, Lal Amaratunga (PW1), Shirly Wijesingha (PW2), and the Assistant Government Analyst, K. Ratnapala (PW12). After the close of the prosecution case, the appellant made adock statement.

4. PW2, Shirly Wijesi