183.
| (1) If the accused upon being asked if he has any cause to show why he should not be convicted makes a statement which amounts to an unqualified admission that he is guilty of the offence of which he is accused, his statement shall be recorded as nearly as possible in the words used by him; and the Magistrate shall record a verdict of guilty and pass sentence upon him according to law and shall record such sentence: |
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| (2) If the accused does not make a statement or makes a statement which does not amount to an unqualified admission of guilt the Magistrate shall ask him if he is ready for trial and-
| | (a) if the accused replies that he is ready for trial shall proceed to try the case in manner hereinafter provided, but | | |
| | (b) if the accused replies that he is not ready for trial by reason of the absence of witnesses or otherwise the Magistrate shall, subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of section 263, either postpone the trial to a day to be then fixed or proceed forthwith to try the case in manner hereinafter provided. | | |
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Sri Lanka Consolidated Acts