Pradeep Chaminda Bandara vs Lalith Jayasundera and others – SC APPEAL 43/2025-2025

In the case between Pradeep Chaminda Bandara vs Lalith Jayasundera and others, the court addressed the issue of whether the annual value for the purposes of the Rent Act should be determined based on the 1968 assessment or the revised 1986 assessment following structural alterations. It was held that the 1986 annual value, as established by substantial evidence and in accordance with the Rent Act, was applicable, affecting whether the premises were exempted from statutory tenant protection. The finding set aside the appellate court’s order for a de novo trial and directed a positive judgment in favor of the appellant with costs. This decision reaffirmed the principle that valuation, for statutory purposes, must reflect material alterations impacting annual value evidenced by proper statut