Sanipala v. Bamunusinghe – sllr 1995 volume 2 page 208

In the case between the Plaintiff-Respondent and Defendant-Appellant concerning land title and possession, the principal issue involved whether the Defendant-Appellant was a licensee or tenant, based on the nature of the relationship and the status of supporting documentation. The court examined whether evidence, including documents V2, P5, P6, V6, and the testimony of the Grama Sevaka, had been properly evaluated during the initial proceedings. It was determined that the District Judge failed to engage in a thorough and proper judicial inquiry, particularly regarding the authenticity and examination of the materials presented. As a result, the earlier decision favoring the Plaintiff-Respondent was set aside, and the matter was ordered to be retried. The decision emphasized judicial respon