Sri Lankan film star jailed for rape

A Sri Lankan film star has been convicted of kidnapping and raping a sixteen year old girl.

The actor, Kamal Addaraarachchi, was sentenced at the High Court in Colombo to twelve years imprisonment and fined more than fourteen thousand dollars -- the highest fine ever imposed for rape in Sri Lanka.

The judge Sriyani Thilqakawardeneordered that ninety per cent of the fine be paid to the victim.

After the attack four years ago, the authorities initially said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Addaraarachchi, but the Attorney General later took up the case

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service