U.G.Wimalawathie vs A.V.Gunawardane – CA APPEAL NO.293/98 F -2013

In the case between A.V. Gunawardane (plaintiff-respondent) and U.G. Wimalawathie (defendant-appellant), the court addressed the issue of whether the defendant should be evicted from the premises under Section 22(1)(d) of the Rent Act No.7 of 1972, based on alleged deterioration caused by the defendant’s actions. It was held that actual deterioration of the premises must be established for such eviction, reaffirming the principle that mere structural changes or modifications, even if substantial, do not amount to statutory deterioration unless they worsen the premises’ condition. This decision relied on interpretation of the Rent Act and relevant precedents, highlighting that improvements or authorized changes do not justify eviction under this statutory provision in the absence of proven