Sumanasekare v. Peiris – sllr 1999 volume 3 page 281

BRIEF
In the case between Sumanasekare (Plaintiff-Appellant) and Peiris (Defendant-Respondent), the issue addressed was whether a plaintiff, as a single house owner, could invoke the protections of section 22(1)(bb) and 22(1A) of the Rent Act. It was held that the date relevant for the application of the section is the date of first occupation by the tenant, not the date of attornment, and that when ownership is undisputed, the absence of title deeds does not defeat the claim. The decision reaffirmed the principle that strict proof of title is unnecessary unless ownership is challenged, and clarified the construction of the Rent Act’s provisions. The appellate court set aside the lower court’s dismissal and restored the plaintiff’s action, emphasizing the correct approach to ownership evid