Alahakoon Mudiyanselage Jyaratne Banda v. Alahakoon Mudiyanselage Podi Menika – CA NO. 569/97-2015

In the case between Alahakoon Mudiyanselage Podi Menika (Plaintiff-Respondent) and Alahakoon Mudiyanselage Jyaratne Banda (Defendant-Appellant), the court addressed issues concerning the proper service of summons, the defendant-appellant’s right to contest the proceedings, and the jurisdiction of the District Judge, specifically relating to the setting aside of an ex parte decree and nullification of a “Swarna Bhumi” deed granted by the President of Sri Lanka. It was held that procedural irregularities regarding the service of summons and the District Court’s record deprived the defendant-appellant of a fair opportunity to participate in the proceedings, constituting a denial of natural justice. The principle reaffirmed is that meaningful access to the court and due process must be preserv