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Contents

Part III · Offences Against Victims of Crime and Witnesses

15. Causing hurt to a victim of crime or witness

Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.

Any person who voluntarily causes hurt or grievous hurt to a victim of crime or witness, with the intention of-

(a)

causing such victim of crime or witness to refrain from-

(i)

lodging a complaint against such person with a law enforcement authority; or

(ii)

testifying at any judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings against such person;

(b)

compelling such victim of crime or witness to withdraw a complaint lodged or legal action instituted against such person; or

(c)

retaliating for a statement made or testimony provided by such victim of crime or witness in any court or before any Commission, against such person, commits an offence under this Act, and shall on conviction by the High Court, be liable to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand rupees or to imprisonment of either description for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Part IV

Entitlement of a Victim of Crime or Witnesses to Seek Protection

Part V

Establishment of the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses

Part VI

Appointment of the Director-General and Staff of the Authority

Part VII

Victims of Crime and Witnesses Assistance and Protection Division

Part VIII

The Assistance and Protection Programme for Victims of Crime and Witnesses

Part IX

Compensation and Interim Awards

Part X

Testimony Through Contemporaneous Audio-Visual Linkage

Part XI

Finance

Part XII

General

Schedules