Sirisena v. Eyelyn De Silva – sllr 2003 volume 2 page 255

In Sirisena v. Eyelyn de Silva, the court considered whether, under Kandyan Law, a donor may revoke a deed of gift without obtaining court sanction, even when the rights of minor heirs are implicated. It was determined that the revocation of such a deed is valid without court sanction, and that the donor re-acquires title, extinguishing any contingent rights of heirs. The principle reaffirmed is that Kandyan Law bestows the donor with unilateral authority to revoke the deed during his lifetime, as supported by the Kandyan Law Declaration and Amendment Ordinance and interpreted through relevant case law. The holding clarifies the legal position on revocation rights under Kandyan Law, impacting future disputes involving donated property and heirs’ contingent interests.

Somawansa J. — A com