Pahalage Manel Malkanthi Abeygunawardane v. Hettiarachchige Podi Mahaththaya et al. – SC APPEAL 205/2016-2016

In the case between Pahalage Manel Malkanthi Abeygunawardane and Hettiarachchige Podi Mahaththaya with Hettiarachchige Wijesundara, the Supreme Court considered the validity and authenticity of two disputed property deeds—Deed of Transfer No.2199 (dated 18.9.1997) and Deed of Gift No.27 (dated 9.12.1997). The primary consideration was whether the Deed of Transfer was null and void and whether the Deed of Gift was genuine, with the attendant issue of whether the burden of proof regarding authenticity and execution was properly discharged. The findings established that the Deed of Gift was genuine and that the Deed of Transfer was null and void, thus affirming the decisions of the District Court and Civil Appellate High Court and dismissing the appeal with costs. The decision reaffirmed the