Charles De Silva v. Ariyawathie De Silva and Another – sllr 1987 volume 1 page 261

In the case between Charles de Silva (Appellant) and Ariyawathie de Silva and others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of the due execution and authenticity of the signature on a disputed Last Will by the deceased, D. Seemon Appu. The court held that, notwithstanding inconclusive expert evidence, the direct and oral testimony of the notary and attesting witnesses established the Will’s proper execution, warranting its admission to probate. It was reaffirmed that credible direct evidence concerning the signing and attestation of a will may outweigh inconclusive or insufficiently supported expert analysis. This decision relied on established evidentiary principles, highlighting the centrality of legally probative direct testimony and remitting the matter for continuation in the Di