Kumaratillake v. Jayanthi – sllr 1980 volume 2 page 009

In the case between Kumaratillaka (Plaintiff) and Jayanthi (Defendant), the court addressed whether a written letter from the defendant constituted a promise of marriage within the meaning of section 20(3) of the Marriage Registration Ordinance. It was held that the language of the letter, when scrutinized in context, amounted to a clear promise of marriage rather than a mere expression of affection. The decision reaffirmed the principle that a written communication may satisfy the statutory requirement for a written promise if it unequivocally manifests the promisor’s intention. Reliance was placed on authorities such as Udalagama v. Boange and Wijeweera v. Nanayakkara, emphasizing that the surrounding context and specific wording are critical in establishing contractual intent in such ma