20 years RI for abusing underage boy

Sandasen MARASINGHE

COLOMBO: Colombo High Court Judge W.A.T. Ratnayake yesterday convicted an elderly man for sexually abusing an underage boy and sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment.

N.P. Thilakeratne Perera, 52, alias Baba was indicted on two counts for abusing a 12-year-old boy at a boutique in Colombo on two occasions on March 2001.

The Court sentenced him to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment on each count. The Court also imposed a fine of Rs 5000 on each count and another six months RI in default. The Court also ordered the man to pay Rs. 25,000 to the victim as compensation.

The boy stated that Perera’s boutique was near his residence. He was well known to the boy and at several occasions he gave the boy money to buy chocolates. He had also given the boy balls to play with his friends. On two occasions Perera sexually abused him forcefully taking him inside the boutique.

State Counsel Shanil Kularatne appeared for the prosecution while Attorney Gamini Alwis appeared for the defence.