Lanka Kect (Pvt) Limited v. DA Wickramasinghe et al. – SC CHC 19/2008-2014

In the case between Lanka Kect (Pvt) Limited and the 1st Defendant, DA Wickramasinghe (Director Buildings, Buildings Department), and the Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of whether the 1st Defendant could unilaterally convert a contract of hire into a contract of supply or purchase, and the proper interpretation of the terms governing rental obligations and delivery responsibilities. It was held that the contract was established strictly as a hire arrangement with obligations to pay rentals until the return of the equipment, without any clause permitting conversion to a contract of supply or sale. The findings reaffirmed that clear contractual terms preclude unilateral alteration of obligations. Reliance was placed on the text of the agreement and the evidence presented at