Amarasinghe Arachchige Sriyani Manel de Silva nee Amarasinghe vs. Mahara Mohottalalage Upali Gunarathna Bandara et al. – SC APPEAL NO. 121/2011-2023

The case between Amarasinghe Arachchige Ramani and Mahara Mohottalalage Upali Gunarathna Bandara addressed the issue of disputed land title and the evidentiary standard for establishing a familial relationship in property disputes. It was determined that the extensive documentary and oral evidence, including a wedding invitation, a marriage certificate, obituary notices, and receipts, established the contested familial relationship despite claims that strict proof was necessary. The decision reaffirmed the principle that admissions and corroborative documentary evidence may suffice under the provisions of the Evidence Ordinance, thereby restoring the District Court’s judgment and setting aside the Provincial High Court of Civil Appeals’ decision.

P. Padman Surasena, J. — It was determi