Harasgama, KJayamaha, S.Mahingoda, C. B2026-01-052025-10-10978-624-6010-12-62783 – 8862https://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/4373Consent is a vital element in sexual offences, acting as a crucial determinant in differentiating consensual sexual activities from illegal acts. This condition emphasises that sexual activities must entail voluntary, informed consent, so aligning with broader human rights standards of personal autonomy and the ability to make uncoerced choices. The study endeavours to provide a comparative examination of the legal framework concerning 'consent' in the UK and Sri Lanka, while critically assessing the strength of the current laws. Sexual Offences Act of 2003 in the UK employs a nuanced approach, whereas Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka are restricted in scope. The study reveals that UK and Sri Lankan legislation possess core similarities regarding 'consent' in sexual offences, however they diverge considerably in their different scopes. The paper examines the vitiating factors of 'consent' in detail, identifying capacity to consent, intoxication, regulations concerning minors and vulnerable individuals, such as those with mental disorders, and instances of deception as recognised by law as undermining the element of 'consent' and impacting the Defendant's culpability, despite variations in the scope addressed by different legal statutes. While the Penal Code has several useful provisions, Sri Lankan law comparably has weaker statutory safeguards and problematic exclusions. The paper concludes by suggesting that Sri Lanka needs comprehensive changes that prioritise continuous consent, establish presumptions, and recognise incapacitating situations like unconsciousness and intoxication to minimise these gaps.enConsent in Sexual OffencesVitiating Circumstances for ‘Consent’RapeSexual OffencesArticlehttps://doi.org/10.54389/GKPJ8980