Banda v. Soysa – sllr 1998 volume 1 page 255

In the case between the trustee of Ginikarawa Vihara (plaintiff) and Soysa (defendant), the Supreme Court addressed the issue of title to certain temple lands, specifically distinguishing Bandara lands (vested in the temple trustee) from Praveni lands (vested in the Praveni Nilakarayas). It was held that the disputed lots were Bandara lands belonging to the temple, as established by documentary evidence—including title plans, a Sannasa (Royal Grant), and the 1906 lease bond (P6)—and that the defendants failed to demonstrate a superior title. The principle reaffirmed is that unregistered temple lands are presumed to be Bandara lands, and the burden rests on those asserting title to prove their claim. Relevant statutes regulating temple property and applicable historical precedents were cent