Hewayage Saradiyel and J Jane Nona vs Hewayage Gunasekara and Others – CA 826/96 F-2011

The case between Hewayage Gunasekara and others (Plaintiffs) and Hewayage Saradiyel, J Jane nona, H Romanis, and others (Defendants) concerned the entitlement to a 2/5 share of a specific paddy field at Palambure, Niyanduruppola. The core issue was whether the plaintiffs had a valid title to the paddy field and whether the 1st and 2nd defendants’ possession, based on the “Thattumaru system” (rotational possession), constituted lawful title. It was held that the plaintiffs were entitled to the declaration of title and the ejection of the defendants from the specified portion, reaffirming the principle that possession under the “Thattumaru system” does not amount to legal ownership in the absence of substantive title. The decision relied on the evaluation of documentary and oral evidence, em