Imbuldeniya v. De Silva – sllr 1987 volume 1 page 367

Brief
In Imbuldeniya v D. De Silva, the issue concerned whether a tenant entering occupation through an unauthorized letting by someone lacking title could claim statutory protection under the Rent Act. It was held that statutory protection does not extend to such tenants, as the Act attaches protection to a valid contract of tenancy rather than merely to the premises. The findings established that, since the letting was by a person without authority and no privity of contract existed with the true owner, the occupant was a trespasser and not a protected tenant. This conclusion was reached by interpreting the relevant statutory provisions and reaffirming that a valid landlord–tenant relationship is a prerequisite for protection under the Rent Act.

Sharvananda C.J. — It was determined tha