Subasinghage Lionel Gunaratne vs Ranpati Dewage Seelawathie (deceased) – CA APPEAL NO. 847/98 F -2013

In the action between Subasinghage Lionel Gunaratne, Subasinghege Nimal Justin, and Handuwala Dewage Joslin Fernando (Defendant-Appellant-Petitioners) and Ranpati Dewage Seelawathie, Handuwala Dewage Yasawathie Iranganie, and others (Plaintiff-Respondent-Respondents), the court addressed the effect of withdrawing a jointly filed appeal concerning land rights. The holding established that the withdrawal of the appeal by present Defendant-Appellants did not prejudice the absent 4th Defendant-Appellant’s interests. The proceedings relied on procedural observations relating to joint pleadings and substantive appellate practice, underscoring that withdrawal and dismissal of the appeal did not affect the unrepresented appellant’s rights, thereby upholding the District Court decision and maintain